If you are searching for a cozy, heartwarming dinner idea, this Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights brings all the creamy, comforting flavor of the viral chicken dish straight to your soup bowl. This recipe transforms tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, pasta, and spinach into a rich and satisfying soup that feels indulgent yet practical for weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cozy. It gives you everything people adore about Marry Me Chicken but in a spoonable, comforting format. The pasta simmers right in the broth, soaking up flavor, while sun-dried tomatoes provide tangy depth that tastes gourmet without extra effort. It works beautifully as a meal on its own, pairs well with salads or bread, and reheats easily for lunches. The ingredients are simple, the method is approachable, and the final flavor is impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Below is a clear breakdown of the components you will need. Measurements are written in US units and can be scaled to fit your household.
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for gentle heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Creamy Finish
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh Add Ins
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 handful chopped fresh basil, optional
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
- Sun dried tomatoes: Choose oil packed for the best flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, rinse briefly before chopping.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium broth gives you more control over salt levels.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, use half and half. Coconut milk also works for dairy sensitive families, though the flavor will shift slightly.
- Cream cheese: Adds body without needing a roux. Neufchatel cheese is a lighter alternative.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated melts more smoothly than pre shredded.
- Pasta substitutions: Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or orecchiette are excellent options.
- Chicken alternatives: To avoid poultry, try shredded turkey, white beans, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty plant friendly swap.
- No pork is used in this recipe, so no adjustments are needed.
- No alcohol is included, making this family friendly as written.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Sautรฉ the Aromatics
Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to bloom for one minute. Add the tomato paste and chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil. This step develops the rich and savory base that makes this soup special.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the medium shell pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta reaches al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom. As it cooks, the pasta absorbs the seasoned broth and adds natural thickness to the soup.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Greens
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt completely. Add the cream cheese in small pieces, letting it melt into the broth. Stir in the grated Parmesan until the soup becomes creamy and unified.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a handful of chopped basil for a bright finishing note. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or crusty bread.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use the oil from the sun dried tomatoes because it boosts flavor instantly.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts evenly.
- Stir pasta often as it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Do not boil after adding cheese because it may cause separation. Simmer gently instead.
- Add spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and tender.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving for the ideal consistency.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon herb version: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and extra basil for brightness.
- Smoky paprika twist: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for deeper warmth.
- Creamy Tuscan bean option: Replace half the chicken with white beans for added fiber and creaminess.
- Veggie loaded version: Add diced carrots and celery to the sautรฉ stage for extra texture.
- Spicy version: Increase crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne for heat lovers.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy soup pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or warm ciabatta
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A baked potato for a heartier meal
- Parmesan crisps for a crunchy topper
It also works well as a comforting lunch served with crackers or a side of fruit.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
- Freezing: For the best texture, freeze the soup without pasta. If freezing pasta is necessary, expect a softer texture after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium low or microwave in short intervals, stirring often.

Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cozy, creamy, heartwarming Marry Me Chicken Soup filled with tender shredded chicken, sun dried tomatoes, pasta, Parmesan, and spinachโperfect for comforting weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun dried tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 handful chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato paste and chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the pasta, reduce heat, and simmer until al dente.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add the shredded chicken and fresh spinach.
- Let the spinach wilt fully.
- Add the cream cheese in small pieces and allow it to melt.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until the soup becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Add fresh basil if using, then serve hot.
Notes
Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Add spinach at the end for best texture. Do not boil after adding cheeseโsimmer gently to avoid separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken Soup
What makes this soup different from regular chicken soup?
This recipe blends the creamy, savory elements of Marry Me Chicken with the structure of a comforting soup. You get sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan, cream, and tender chicken in a broth that feels luxurious but still practical for everyday cooking.
Can I make this soup dairy free?
Yes. Replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk and use a dairy free cream cheese alternative. For the Parmesan flavor, add nutritional yeast. The taste will shift slightly but remain rich and enjoyable.
How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in leftovers?
Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it only to the servings you plan to eat right away. For leftovers, store pasta and soup in separate containers.
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Dice two chicken breasts and simmer them in the broth before adding pasta. Once cooked through, remove, shred, and return them to the pot. This adds a little extra cooking time but works well.
What vegetables can I add without changing the flavor too much?
Carrots, celery, mushrooms, and zucchini all pair nicely. Add firmer vegetables during the sautรฉ stage so they soften evenly. Mild greens like kale or chard also work in place of spinach.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights brings comfort, creaminess, and homemade warmth to your table with minimal effort. It is a family friendly bowl of satisfaction that works for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend meals. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and versatile add ins, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
