There’s something truly magical about a bowl of creamy, rich, and flavorful soup, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a luscious broth. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken” dish, known for its deep flavors, creamy texture, and Tuscan-inspired ingredients like sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.

If you’ve ever had a day where you just need a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this soup is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and nourishment, balancing the richness of heavy cream with the freshness of spinach and a pop of tangy sundried tomatoes. Plus, the name alone makes it fun—some say it’s so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal!

This soup is ideal for cozy nights, busy weeknights, and meal prepping. It’s easy to make, comes together in one pot, and can be customized to fit different dietary needs. Whether you prefer chicken breasts for a leaner option or chicken thighs for extra tenderness, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you love creamy, flavorful soups with a bit of Italian flair, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is about to become your new favorite recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup checks all the boxes for a perfect homemade meal. Here’s why you’ll love making and eating it:

Rich and Creamy – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful broth creates a velvety texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
One-Pot Wonder – No need to dirty multiple dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfectly Seasoned – With garlic, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes, every bite is packed with flavor.
Customizable – You can swap in different types of pasta, use dairy-free alternatives, or adjust the spice level to your taste.
Great for Meal Prep – This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this dish. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing!
Balanced and Nourishing – While it’s creamy and indulgent, this soup is also filled with protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed spinach.

Whether you need a quick dinner, a meal to impress guests, or a dish to meal prep for the week, this soup is an absolute winner.

Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious—it also has a variety of health benefits, making it a great choice for a well-rounded meal.

High in Protein – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Rich in Antioxidants – Sundried tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and fights inflammation.
Supports Digestion – The combination of garlic, onions, and Italian herbs provides natural digestive benefits and boosts gut health.
Good for Bone Health – Parmesan cheese is packed with calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Balanced Nutrition – This soup provides a mix of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal.
Customizable for Dietary Needs – You can easily modify the ingredients to fit gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets.

Eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and this soup is the perfect example of that.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories per serving: 420
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g

This soup is satisfying yet not overly heavy, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. If you want a lower-carb version, you can swap out the pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked pasta (ditalini, cavatappi, or small penne)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and Italian seasoning, then cook until lightly browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and sundried tomatoes.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Thicken the Soup
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Add Broth and Simmer
- Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a boil, then add pasta, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Cream and Spinach
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.
Pair with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
Drizzle a touch of olive oil or balsamic glaze for an extra gourmet touch.

Pairing Suggestions

Bread: French baguette, sourdough, or focaccia.
Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Beverages: Fresh lemonade, herbal tea, or a light sparkling drink.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Best if frozen without the pasta and cream. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Add a bit of broth or water to loosen up the consistency before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Marry Me Chicken Soup is straightforward, a few common mistakes can affect its flavor, texture, or overall quality. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure the best results.

Overcooking the Pasta – One of the biggest mistakes is letting the pasta sit in the soup for too long. Since pasta continues to absorb liquid even after cooking, it can become mushy if left in the broth for extended periods. If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.

Adding Cream Too Early – Heavy cream should be added at the end of cooking. If you add it too soon or let the soup boil after adding the cream, it may curdle. Always reduce the heat before stirring in the cream to maintain a smooth, velvety consistency.

Using Low-Quality Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy instead of creamy. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

Skipping the Sauté Step – Browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth creates a rich depth of flavor. Skipping this step may result in a bland soup. Take the extra few minutes to properly sauté the ingredients for a more robust taste.

Not Adjusting the Thickness – If the soup is too thick, add extra broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.

Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments – The flavor of soup develops as it cooks, so always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and make a big difference.

Using Chicken That’s Too Lean – While chicken breasts work well, they can dry out quickly. Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor, making them a better choice for soups. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Forgetting to Stir Frequently – Pasta and cream-based soups can stick to the bottom of the pot if left unstirred for too long. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Pro Tips

To take your Marry Me Chicken Soup to the next level, follow these expert tips for a richer, creamier, and more flavorful dish.

Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor – Instead of just cooking the chicken, take the time to sear it properly. Let the chicken develop a golden-brown crust before removing it from the pot. This caramelization adds depth to the overall flavor of the soup.

Use a Combination of Broths – While regular chicken broth is great, using a mix of chicken broth and bone broth enhances the richness and nutritional value. Bone broth provides extra collagen and depth of flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs at the End – While dried Italian seasoning is a great base, adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme just before serving gives the soup a fresher, more vibrant taste.

Make It Spicy – If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This gives the soup a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy elements.

Balance the Richness with a Splash of Acid – A squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of white wine vinegar right before serving helps cut through the richness of the cream and Parmesan, making the soup more balanced.

Toast Your Pasta First – For an even richer, nuttier taste, toast the pasta in a dry pan for a couple of minutes before adding it to the soup. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor.

Use Full-Fat Dairy for the Best Texture – Low-fat or fat-free alternatives can make the soup watery. If you need a dairy-free substitute, opt for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar richness.

Don’t Rush the Simmering Process – Allowing the soup to simmer for a bit longer helps meld the flavors. If time allows, let it cook for an extra 10–15 minutes to deepen the taste.

Grate the Parmesan Finely – The smaller the cheese shreds, the easier they will melt into the soup. Use a microplane grater for a super fine consistency that blends seamlessly.

Make It Ahead for Even Better Flavor – This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. If possible, prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream and pasta. Dairy can separate when frozen, and pasta tends to become mushy. When reheating, stir in fresh cream and cooked pasta for the best texture.

What’s the best pasta to use?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, cavatappi, mini penne, or orzo work well because they hold up nicely in the soup. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they can become tangled.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a warm, creamy, and flavorful soup that feels like pure comfort in a bowl. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a dish you’ll want to make again and again because it’s easy, customizable, and packed with Tuscan-inspired flavors that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a rich broth creates a perfect balance of creamy and savory, making every spoonful absolutely delicious.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s perfect for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, this recipe is an excellent choice. Plus, with so many ways to customize it—whether you prefer extra veggies, a spicy kick, or a dairy-free version—you can make it exactly how you like it.

Now that you have everything you need to make this incredible soup, it’s time to head to the kitchen and give it a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. Did you make any fun variations? What was your favorite part?

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family or save it for later. You can also snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Soup!