Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of deliciousness featuring tender rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses in a flavorful tomato and herb-infused broth. This rich and hearty soup feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy meals and sharing with loved ones.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Sun-Dried Tomato Base
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
- 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
Aromatics
- 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 32 oz (2 packages) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more to taste)
Pasta and Greens
- 8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
Proteins and Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
- 1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color, enhancing the rich tomato flavor.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 12 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked medium shell pasta, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
- Make It Creamy & Delicious: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently for 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt smoothly and the chicken to warm thoroughly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of crushed red pepper to taste.
- Using rotisserie chicken adds convenience, but leftover cooked chicken can also be used.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and creamier texture.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with 1 tsp dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though fresh is preferred for best flavor.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, rotisserie chicken recipe, comforting soup, easy dinner recipe