If you’re searching for a heartwarming, creamy, and absolutely crave-worthy bowl of comfort, you’ve got to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in a cozy hug, filled with tender chicken, delicate pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan creaminess that literally sings with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, or just want to pour love into your dinner, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s simple enough for any home cook to whip up and impressive enough to steal the show.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe plays a starring role, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the savory chicken and Italian seasonings to the creamy Parmesan and fresh spinach, these essentials come together beautifully for a soup that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

1 teaspoon olive oil: The base that adds subtle richness while helping brown the chicken evenly.
1–1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Diced into bite-sized pieces, these give the soup its hearty protein punch.
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (divided): A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian vibes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
½ cup diced carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant orange pop.
½ cup diced celery: Gives a gently crisp texture and earthy depth.
½ cup diced onions: Provides the foundational flavor base that melds all ingredients together.
¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes: Delivers chewy bursts of tangy, umami goodness.
3 garlic cloves, minced: The aromatic must-have that wakes up every other ingredient.
¼ cup flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious, creamy consistency.
2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional): Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the broth.
6–8 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing volume and savory depth; start with 6 cups and adjust as you prefer.
6 oz pasta (Italian small shells): Gives delightful bite-sized morsels that soak up the broth beautifully.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds velvety richness and a silky texture to the soup.
½–1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese: Sprinkles in a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
2 ½–3 cups fresh spinach: Fresh greens that bring color, nutrition, and a hint of earthiness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken along with one teaspoon of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken pieces brown on all sides, about four to five minutes. This step locks in flavor and builds a rich base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic right into the pot with the chicken. Stir them together and cook for three to four minutes until the veggies are translucent and aromatic, giving your soup that wonderful, comforting fragrance.

Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables, stirring well throughout to avoid clumps. The flour is key for thickening the broth into that creamy texture everyone loves. If you want an extra depth of flavor, now’s the time to stir in the tomato paste as well.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Deglaze

Gradually whisk in your chicken broth, starting with six cups to keep it perfectly balanced. Keep stirring to ensure it’s lump-free while scraping the bottom of the pot with your spoon—that’s where all the browned bits live, packed with flavor that will elevate your soup to the next level.

Step 5: Simmer with Pasta

Bring everything to a lively boil, then add in the pasta along with the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover your pot, reduce heat to low, and let the soup gently simmer for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the pasta perfectly al dente. You can also cook the pasta separately if preferred, adding it in toward the end.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Open the lid and stir in the heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, and the Parmesan Reggiano cheese. Let your soup simmer for another five minutes so the spinach wilts gently and the cheese melts into every spoonful, bringing that iconic creamy finish this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is loved for.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, always taste your soup and add extra salt or spices if needed. This final tweak ensures your bowl is bursting with flavor exactly the way you like it.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh spinach leaves, or a dash of cracked black pepper make the soup feel even more inviting and elegant. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside crusty bread or warm garlic knots—perfect for dipping and soaking up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness beautifully and balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs, especially when entertaining guests. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color, and consider topping with toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is just as delicious the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld more deeply overnight, making reheated portions truly comforting.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup with ease—just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to three months. To maintain the best texture, consider freezing the cooked chicken and broth mixture separately from the pasta and spinach, adding those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating can revive the soup’s silky texture and keep it perfectly creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and are even more flavorful and tender than breasts, making your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe extra juicy.

Is it okay to omit the tomato paste?

Yes, the tomato paste is optional. It adds a nice depth and slight tang, but the soup is still deliciously rich and comforting without it.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Definitely. Use a gluten-free flour substitute and swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties or even spiralized vegetables to keep the soup hearty without gluten.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

Small shapes like Italian shells or ditalini are perfect as they cook evenly and meld well with the creamy broth. Avoid large or flat noodles that might become too soft.

How can I make this soup lighter?

To lighten the soup, reduce or omit the heavy cream and parmesan, and add more broth and vegetables instead. You can also swap cream for a lower-fat milk option, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe that makes every spoonful feel like a warm, loving invitation to savor life’s simple pleasures. It’s an easy recipe to love, perfect for impressing dinner guests or brightening an ordinary day. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and experience just how magical homemade comfort food can be. Give this recipe a go—you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight staple!