If you’re longing for something comforting, bold, and downright irresistible, look no further than this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken, this soup transforms silky cream, sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a tumble of pasta into a one-pot meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Each spoonful is rich with Italian-inspired flavors and promises to earn rave reviews, whether you’re serving your family or trying to impress someone special. Grab a bowl, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, but thoughtful ingredients are the building blocks of Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Each item adds character—whether that’s vibrant color, velvety texture, or layers of flavor you can’t resist.

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich flavor to start the soup on a perfect note.
Unsalted butter: Boosts the creaminess and helps develop a golden sear on your chicken pieces.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken offers hearty protein, becoming incredibly tender as it simmers.
Onion: Gives aromatic sweetness to form the flavorful base.
Garlic: Essential for that classic savory depth and aroma.
Carrots: Bring a pop of color and mellow sweetness to each bowl.
Celery: Adds classic soup undertones and a pleasant freshness.
Dried thyme: Elevates the broth with herby, subtle floral notes.
Dried oregano: Provides earthy, distinctly Italian flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Lends a gentle kick of heat for depth and excitement.
Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful foundation—use a quality broth for best results.
Heavy cream: The magic that makes this soup truly rich and dreamy.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with tangy, sweet intensity and vibrant color.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup, adding nutty, salty richness.
Fresh spinach: Finishes the soup with fresh color and nutrients.
Short pasta (penne or rotini): Makes this soup hearty and comforting—the pasta soaks up all that flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the flavors.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle background warmth.
Fresh basil: Brightens everything just before serving with herbal freshness.

How to Make Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts and sizzles, add your chicken pieces, making sure not to crowd the pot. Sear them until golden on all sides, about five to six minutes, building a flavorful foundation for the soup. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it nearby—it’ll finish cooking later in this luscious bath of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the chicken set aside, add the onion, carrots, and celery to your pot. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened and the onions appear translucent. Now stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, and (if you like a little heat) red pepper flakes. Let them mingle for one minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor!). Bring everything to a gentle boil, then add your pasta. Let the pot bubble for about eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just about tender but not fully cooked. This ensures the noodles keep a pleasant bite once your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is ready.

Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Now it’s time to transform simple soup into something extraordinary. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and your seared chicken with its juices. Let the soup simmer for another five minutes—enough time for flavors to meld and the pasta to finish cooking in all that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Season

Add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until it just wilts and turns vividly green. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and finally, scatter over the freshly chopped basil. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget some crusty bread for dunking into your Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and wow-factor, sprinkle each bowl with extra grated Parmesan, a swirl of olive oil, a few more pinches of fresh basil, and even a crack of fresh black pepper. These touches add layers and make every serving of Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup extra special.

Side Dishes

This luxurious soup pairs beautifully with a crusty warm baguette, buttery garlic bread, or a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette. If you’d like a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted veggies or a bright tomato salad for fantastic color and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup into rustic soup bowls or small Dutch ovens for a cozy winter table setting. For a dinner party twist, serve in small mugs as a comforting appetizer, or top with a drizzle of pesto and a Parmesan crisp for an elegant restaurant-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover soup to cool to room temperature, then pour into airtight containers and chill in the refrigerator. Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup holds up beautifully for up to 3 days—if anything, the flavors deepen for an even tastier next-day meal!

Freezing

To freeze, skip adding spinach and basil until reheating so they stay fresh. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of extra broth or milk if it’s become too thick. If you’ve frozen it without spinach and basil, add them in just before serving for that signature color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Shred or chop cooked chicken, then add it with the cream and sun-dried tomatoes in Step 4. It’s a great shortcut and helps cut down on cook time without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make this soup lighter?

If you want to lighten up Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup won’t be quite as decadent, but you’ll still enjoy plenty of creaminess.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. Double check your broth and Parmesan to ensure they’re gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try finely diced roasted red peppers or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. The soup’s core flavor will still shine through.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

Definitely! Swap in chopped lacinato kale or baby kale. Let it simmer a bit longer to become tender for your batch of Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever a soup to sweep you off your feet, it’s this Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup. Each bowl is a cozy, flavor-packed experience that’s sure to become a new favorite at your table. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and prepare for requests to make it again and again!

Rich, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Marry Me Chicken Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that will surely win your heart with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
8 ounces short pasta, such as penne or rotini
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Cook chicken until golden, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until nearly tender.
Finish the Soup: Stir in cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cooked chicken. Simmer until pasta is al dente. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh basil before serving.