Introduction

If you’ve ever fallen in love with Marry Me Chicken, get ready to meet its cozier, more spoon-worthy cousin Marry Me Chicken Soup. This creamy, rich, and savory soup takes all the signature flavors of the viral chicken dish sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, and tender chicken and turns them into a bowl of pure comfort.

The first time I made this recipe, the aroma of garlic butter and basil filling the kitchen was irresistible. Every spoonful felt like a warm hug indulgent yet balanced, elegant yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. It’s no wonder this dish became one of the most-trending soup recipes in the USA in 2024.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving something soothing and satisfying, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is guaranteed to impress. It’s hearty, easy to make, and full of flavor perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep throughout the week.

Recipe Summary

Category	Details
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes
Difficulty	Easy
Servings	6 bowls
Dietary Tags	High-Protein, Comfort Food, Family-Friendly
Cuisine Type	American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (15 g)
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (about 80 g)
6 cups chicken broth (1.4 liters)
250 g (8 oz) medium shell pasta or any short-cut pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie for ease)
115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken. For a lighter option, poach chicken breasts and shred them.
Pasta: Shells hold creamy sauce well, but you can use orzo, penne, or even rice for a gluten-free version.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess swap with mascarpone for an ultra-silky texture.
Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and skip Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes)

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
Why it matters: Building flavor starts here don’t rush this step. The caramelized onion and garlic lay the base for a rich, aromatic broth.

2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let them cook for 2 minutes to release their flavor.
Pro Tip: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor you can even drizzle a bit of their oil into the pot for extra richness.

3. Pour in Broth and Cook Pasta (10–12 minutes)

Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in shell pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Visual cue: The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite — it’ll continue softening later.

4. Stir in Dairy for Creaminess

Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and silky.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat gentle to prevent the cream from curdling you want a velvety finish, not a grainy texture.

5. Add Chicken and Simmer (5–7 minutes)

Add shredded chicken and simmer until heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Why it matters: This step melds all flavors together the chicken absorbs the broth while the pasta thickens the soup naturally.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Optional touch: Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for brightness.

Expert Tips & Variations

Pro Tips

Use quality broth – Homemade or low-sodium stock enhances the overall flavor.
Don’t overcook pasta – It continues to absorb liquid, so slightly undercook it.
Balance richness – Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine for acidity.
Layer flavor – Try roasting garlic beforehand for a sweeter depth.
Texture control – For thicker soup, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.
Meal prep tip – Store pasta separately to prevent sogginess when reheating.
Presentation matters – Garnish with fresh herbs or crispy pancetta for a restaurant-style finish.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Low-Carb Version – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Mushroom Lover’s Edition – Add sautéed cremini mushrooms for an umami boost.
Bacon Twist – Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky depth.
Vegetarian Spin – Substitute chicken with white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Troubleshooting

Soup too thin? Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
Too thick? Add warm broth gradually until desired consistency.
Curdled dairy? Lower the heat before adding cream.
Too salty? Add a peeled potato to absorb excess salt while simmering.

FAQ

1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen overnight. Just store without pasta to prevent mushiness and add it fresh when reheating.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently before serving.

4. What’s the best equipment to use?
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or large soup pot distributes heat evenly and prevents burning.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute rice or quinoa.

6. How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan by half.

7. What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but poached or grilled chicken works too.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! It scales easily just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 820 mg

Health Note: This soup provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Sun-dried tomatoes and basil add antioxidants, while using low-sodium broth helps manage sodium intake.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Bread: Crusty garlic bread or warm ciabatta.
Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad to cut the richness.
Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Occasion Ideas:
- Weeknight family dinners
- Romantic date night
- Cozy winter gatherings
- Meal prep lunches

Pro tip: Serve in pre-warmed bowls to keep the soup hot longer a simple restaurant trick that makes a difference!

Conclusion

There’s a reason this Marry Me Chicken Soup has captured hearts (and stomachs) across America it’s indulgent, comforting, and deceptively easy. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and irresistible sun-dried tomato flavor, every bite feels like a love letter in a bowl.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it, share it, and explore more comforting dishes on DuaRecipes.com. Try next: Creamy Tuscan Beef Stew or Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.

Make it once and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me.”

Marry Me Chicken Soup – Creamy, Comforting & Irresistible Recipe