If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that feels a little special but still comes together with everyday ingredients, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect choice. Inspired by the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” entrée, this soup transforms those same rich flavors—creamy broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tender chicken—into a warm and satisfying one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making something for a date night at home, this recipe delivers comfort, simplicity, and big flavor in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
This soup brings together all the flavors that made the original “Marry Me Chicken” so popular. It strikes the ideal balance between creamy and savory, thanks to Boursin cheese (or cream cheese), Parmesan, chicken broth, and pasta that absorbs all that delicious flavor.
The sun-dried tomatoes add tangy richness, the Italian herbs give it warmth, and the spinach adds freshness without overpowering the dish. Best of all, it cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is easy—even on busy weeknights.
It’s a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort, perfect for anyone who enjoys comforting, creamy soups with a bit of Italian flair.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 ounces pasta shells (or similar small pasta)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup half & half
- 1 package Boursin cheese (or substitute cream cheese)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Chicken Options
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves prep time. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, boiled, baked, or air-fried chicken breast can all be shredded and added in the final stage.
Pasta Choices
Pasta shells hold the creamy broth perfectly, but small shapes—like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orecchiette—work just as well. If using gnocchi, add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are ideal because they bring extra richness to the broth. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking briefly in warm water.
Dairy Swaps
- For a lighter version, use light cream or evaporated milk in place of half & half.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based cream and dairy-free cream cheese; substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for added savory flavor.
No Pork or Alcohol
The recipe does not contain pork or alcohol. All seasoning and creamy elements are family-friendly.
Spinach Substitutes
Baby kale, chopped Swiss chard, or frozen spinach thawed and drained are great alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
This essential step builds a flavorful base that enhances the entire soup.
Step 2 – Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to help caramelize the tomato paste and intensify the flavor.
This brings a delicious depth to the broth.
Step 3 – Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Stir well.
Increase heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4 – Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta shells directly into the boiling broth. Cook until the pasta becomes al dente, usually 8–10 minutes depending on the shape.
Cooking the pasta in the broth makes the soup richer, as the starches help thicken it naturally.
Step 5 – Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cream
Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and half & half.
Stir gently to allow the spinach to wilt. The broth will immediately soften in color and texture.
Step 6 – Melt in the Boursin Cheese
Add the Boursin cheese (or cream cheese) in small chunks, stirring until completely melted and incorporated.
This is what gives the soup its famous creamy, luxurious base.
Step 7 – Add Parmesan and Finish
Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm with the remaining Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Delicious Marry Me Chicken Soup – Creamy & Simple
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, one-pot soup inspired by the viral ‘Marry Me Chicken’—featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, tender chicken, spinach, and Boursin cheese in a rich Italian-seasoned broth with pasta. Comforting, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 oz pasta shells (or small pasta)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
- ¾ cup half & half
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (or cream cheese)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion 3–4 min until soft. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
- Simmer base: Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook pasta: Add uncooked pasta. Simmer 8–10 min until al dente.
- Add chicken & greens: Reduce heat to low. Stir in chicken, spinach, and half & half.
- Melt Boursin: Add Boursin in chunks; stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Finish: Stir in half the Parmesan. Serve with remaining Parmesan sprinkled on top.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- For dairy-free: substitute Boursin with dairy-free cream cheese, half & half with oat cream, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- For meal prep: cook pasta separately to prevent mushiness in leftovers.
- Add cream and cheese on low heat only to avoid curdling.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add the best richness—drain but don’t rinse.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Pro Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan
Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the soup a smoother texture compared to pre-shredded varieties. - Add cream at low heat
High heat can cause dairy to curdle. Add half & half and Boursin only after reducing the heat. - Thicken or thin as needed
If the soup becomes too thick (especially after sitting), add a splash of broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. - Get creative with herbs
A pinch of thyme or a bay leaf can complement the flavors beautifully. - Cook pasta separately for meal prep
If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately. Add it to each serving bowl before pouring in the soup to prevent it from soaking up the broth.
Flavor Variations
Creamy Tuscan Twist
Add sliced mushrooms and a splash of lemon juice. Swap spinach for kale to give it an earthy, rustic feel.
Spicy Marry Me Chicken Soup
Increase crushed red pepper to 1 teaspoon, or add a diced jalapeño or spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
Gnocchi Version
Replace pasta with potato gnocchi. Add them near the end and simmer until tender.
Roasted Red Pepper Upgrade
Add chopped roasted red peppers along with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra sweetness and depth.
Herb-Lover’s Edition
Stir in chopped basil, parsley, or oregano before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls.
- Top with fresh basil, parsley, or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Pair with a crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Add homemade croutons or garlic-herb breadcrumbs for delicious crunch.
- A drizzle of olive oil just before serving enhances the richness.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
If the pasta absorbs broth and thickens the soup, add extra broth when reheating.
Freezer:
For best texture, freeze without the pasta.
- Cool completely
- Transfer the broth and chicken mixture (without pasta) to freezer-safe containers
- Freeze up to 3 months
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over low heat. Cook fresh pasta separately and add before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbohydrates | ~36g |
| Fat | ~19g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~860mg |
(Values vary based on pasta shape, dairy choice, and cheese brands.)
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
- Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
- Simple & Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Juicy Mini Sandwiches for Parties
- Amazing Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken Soup
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes. If using uncooked chicken breast, simmer it in the broth for 15–20 minutes before removing, shredding, and returning to the pot. This adds extra flavor to the soup and eliminates the need for pre-cooked chicken.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened dairy-free cream (like coconut or oat cream), dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Add these ingredients at low heat to help them blend smoothly without curdling.
What pasta works best?
Small shapes such as shells, ditalini, elbows, or mini bowties work well because they soak up the creamy broth. If you prefer a softer texture, cook the pasta directly in the soup; for firmer pasta, cook it separately.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Let the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste or more cream cheese. Pasta also naturally thickens the soup as it cooks.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen beautifully overnight. For the best texture, cook the pasta separately and store it in a separate container. Add pasta to each bowl right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup delivers everything you love about the iconic dish—rich creaminess, savory chicken, Italian herbs, and bursts of sun-dried tomato—while adding the comforting warmth of a homemade soup. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve when you want to impress. With its velvety texture and family-friendly ingredients, this creamy and simple soup is guaranteed to become a recipe you’ll make again and again.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pie Tacos — A Fun Fall Dessert or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!