Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs); 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar; 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 32 oz chicken broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish); 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat); 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta; 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature); 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is perfect for any occasion. It combines rich flavors and comforting ingredients that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Whether you’re having a busy weekday or a cozy weekend, this soup warms your heart and fills your belly. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with goodness, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

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How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
32 oz or 2 packages chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Directions:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve this delicious soup hot in bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes for added flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove until heated through.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to help it melt easily.
Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time, or cook your chicken fresh if you prefer.

Variations

You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or celery. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and keeps well in the fridge.

2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.