If you are craving comfort food that warms your soul from the first spoonful, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl. This luscious soup combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and hearty pasta, all simmered gently in a fragrant broth bursting with herbs and spices. Every bite feels like a cozy embrace, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings or anytime you want to feel nurtured and satisfied. It’s not just a soup—it’s love served hot and ready to lift your spirits.

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the key to unlocking the full magic of this soup. From the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and cream cheese to the bright freshness of basil and spinach, every item plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors you’ll adore.

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Julienne-cut and packed in oil with herbs, they provide tangy sweetness and depth.
1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: Adds extra flavor and ensures the onions and garlic soften beautifully.
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and savory backbone to the broth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that wakes up the soup’s flavor.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Brings concentrated umami and richness to thicken the broth.
32 oz chicken broth: The nourishing base of the soup, full of comforting savory notes.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a silky texture and luscious mouthfeel.
4 tsp fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal brightness to the mix.
2 tsp kosher salt: Balances the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning: A harmonious blend of herbs that tie all the ingredients together.
1 tsp garlic powder: A subtle flavor booster to enhance the garlic notes.
¼ tsp crushed red pepper: Just enough to add a gentle kick—feel free to adjust if you love more heat.
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta: The perfect shape to capture the creamy broth and little bits of chicken.
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant color and a nutritious green punch.
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Tender, flavorful protein that’s effortless to prepare.
8 oz cream cheese, cubed: Melts into a dreamy creaminess that thickens the soup.
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded: Sharp, nutty notes that add savory depth and a beautiful finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of that luscious sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they release their sweet, fragrant aroma—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step sets a flavorful foundation, infusing the soup with a gentle warmth that promises comfort in every bite.

Step 2: Build the Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the tomato paste’s rich color and intensify its natural sweetness. This concentrated tomato essence is the heart of the broth, providing a bright yet savory core that balances perfectly against the creamy additions to come.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to blend flavors smoothly. Let it simmer for 12 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to meld beautifully and create a velvety, aromatic broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked medium shell pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup means it soaks up every bit of flavor while thickening the broth naturally. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet perfectly al dente—ready to satisfy those craving a little extra heartiness.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Delicious

Turn the heat down to low, then fold in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese cubes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but often for 5 minutes, giving those cheeses time to melt into the soup and envelop the chicken with creamy luxury. Adding spinach last keeps it fresh and vibrant, while the cheese creates that indulgent “hug” feeling we’re after.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, ladle your beautiful bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl into your favorite soup bowls. Garnish generously with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little pop of color and heat. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad, and prepare to delight in the ultimate soul-soothing meal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Garnishes

Finishing touches transform this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh basil brightens each spoonful with a hint of herbal zest, while extra Parmesan adds a fresh and nutty kick. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes awakens your taste buds and lends a subtle warmth that’s pure magic.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that complement without competing. Crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up each last drop of creamy broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast that balances the soup’s richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow guests or make this soup feel extra special? Serve it in individual bread bowls for a rustic look that doubles as an edible dish. Or layer the soup with toasted croutons and a drizzle of basil oil for an elegant restaurant-style presentation. No matter the approach, every bowl radiates warmth and care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl tastes just as heavenly the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it before sealing the container to keep all those luscious flavors intact and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this soup later, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the pasta might absorb some broth and thicken upon thawing, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring often to redistribute the melted cheeses and reincorporate any separated creaminess. Add a little extra broth if the soup looks too thick. Reheating slowly preserves the delicate balance of flavors and keeps your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl as comforting as the first spoonful.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before adding them in the same step. Rotisserie chicken just adds convenience and extra flavor, but fresh cooked chicken works perfectly well.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich and creamy. Alternatively, full-fat coconut milk can add creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor for a twist.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the medium shell pasta for a gluten-free variety or use small gluten-free noodles like rice or corn pasta. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.

How spicy is this soup?

The crushed red pepper adds a mild kick, but it’s very gentle. Feel free to add more if you prefer a heatier soup or leave it out completely for a milder dish.

What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, though they won’t have the same depth of flavor or chewiness. Alternatively, roasted red peppers add sweetness and texture but will change the flavor profile a bit.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl will quickly show you why it’s a beloved dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and perfect balance of ingredients make it the ultimate comfort food that you’ll want to return to time and again. So grab your ingredients, dive into the kitchen, and soon you’ll be savoring spoonfuls of warmth and love. You won’t regret it!

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth featuring tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. This flavorful soup combines aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, a rich tomato base, and hearty pasta, creating a perfect cozy dish that’s both satisfying and elegant.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the tomato paste darkens and deepens in color, enhancing the richness of the base.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Add fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then let it simmer for 12 minutes to meld the flavors.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the chopped fresh baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt completely and the chicken is thoroughly warmed.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but cooked shredded chicken breast works as well.
Julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add depth; if unavailable, rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes and add a bit of olive oil.
For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper to taste.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: American