Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm, loving hug in a bowl, this Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe is just what you need. I absolutely love how this soup brings together rich creaminess, tender chicken, and comforting pasta, making it perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a little extra comfort. It’s a recipe that’s easy to pull together but tastes like a special occasion dish every time.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add such a lovely depth of flavor without overpowering the gentle creaminess. You’ll find that it’s not just soup; it’s a hearty, soul-satisfying meal all in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that reheat beautifully, this Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are staples you’ll appreciate having on hand — and I especially like using rotisserie chicken for flavor and convenience. The sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add that subtle tang, which balances the creamy richness perfectly.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for the julienne-cut packed in oil with herbs for maximum flavor and convenience.
• Oil from sun-dried tomato jar: Don’t toss this! It adds a lovely depth to the soup base.
• Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and aroma; don’t skip sautéing it to soften first.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced tastes best—adds essential warmth and depth.
• Tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Chicken broth: Use good-quality broth for a savory foundation.
• Heavy whipping cream: Key for the creamy texture that makes this soup so special.
• Fresh basil: You’ll want chopped, fresh basil to brighten the flavors and add that fresh green note.
• Kosher salt: Adjust to taste to bring everything together.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Adds classic herb undertones.
• Garlic powder: A little extra garlic flavor that complements the fresh cloves.
• Crushed red pepper: Gives a gentle kick with room to adjust the heat.
• Medium shell pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly with its shape.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Juicy and ready to go—makes the recipe a breeze.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth melting.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded is best for an even melt and sharp flavor boost.

Variations

I love how flexible this Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to fit your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken; add mushrooms or chickpeas for hearty protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute and omit cream cheese; nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne if you like more heat — my family loves this little kick.
• Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to stir in seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
• Pasta Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or even rice for different textures and dietary needs.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Build a Flavor Base

Start by heating the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. This oil is loaded with flavor, so I never skip it. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent — about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps build a sweet and fragrant base for your soup, so don’t rush it or let the garlic burn.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now stir in the tomato paste along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring constantly as the tomato paste cooks for about 2 minutes; you’ll see it darken to a richer red which deepens the soup’s flavor beautifully. This little step is a game-changer for that complex, slightly tangy undertone.

Step 3: Pour in Broth, Cream, and Seasonings

Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, then add chopped fresh basil, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 12 minutes and lets all the flavors marry beautifully. Keep an eye on it because you want a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente

Once boiling, add the uncooked medium shell pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes (check package instructions for your pasta). This timing ensures it’s tender but not mushy, which is so important to keep the soup texture perfect.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Chicken, and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in the fresh spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring often, until the cheeses are melted and the chicken is warmed through—about 5 minutes. The cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup, adding luxurious texture, while the spinach wilts beautifully without losing its vibrant color.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and more crushed red pepper if you like a little heat on top. Serve this Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe piping hot for the ultimate comfort experience.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly shaved Parmesan and a few leaves of bright fresh basil to add that herbaceous pop. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle warmth that wakes up your taste buds just enough without overpowering the creamy goodness.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty complete on its own, but I often serve it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to scoop up every last bit. A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast that balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this soup in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls — it’s super charming and keeps the soup warm longer. You can also layer a bit of extra Parmesan on top and broil briefly for a bubbly cheesy crust on top for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they last really well for up to 3 days. The pasta continues to soak up the broth, so if you’re making ahead, you might prefer undercooking the pasta slightly to avoid mushiness when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing creamy soups can be tricky, but I’ve had good luck freezing this one before adding the pasta and spinach. Just thaw and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it. This keeps the texture fresher and more enjoyable.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much, a splash of chicken broth or cream brings it right back to that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving too aggressively to prevent curdling the cream.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Cozy and Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe has truly become a favorite in my home because it bridges the gap between comfort food and a touch of elegance with little effort. The creamy broth, fresh herbs, and tender chicken all come together to make a soup that feels like a warm embrace. I really hope you try this recipe and find that same joy and satisfaction that always gets me reaching for seconds—and thirds!

Print