If you’re craving a soup that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavors and a hint of rustic Italian charm, the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is your soulmate in a bowl. Imagine tender rotisserie chicken mingling with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and velvety cream, all tied together with the comforting bite of rotini pasta. This dish is a hearty, cozy hug on a chilly day and absolutely perfect for sharing with loved ones, or even just treating yourself to something deliciously special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each brings a unique texture, flavor, or color that elevates the soup from ordinary to unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps saute the aromatics beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts flavor and creates a luscious base for the soup.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Provides the necessary sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers that warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (double concentrated preferred): Offers a robust tomato flavor with a hint of tang.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Impart an intense sweet and tangy note, perfect for complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Mediterranean flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Enhances earthiness and complements the tomato base.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who love a bit of heat.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Brightens the soup and layers in a lovely acidity.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty foundation that carries all the flavors.
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken: Tender, juicy protein that makes this soup a satisfying meal.
- 1.5 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta: Spiral shapes that hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Provides that signature silky texture and richness.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ extra for serving): Brings savory depth and delightful umami.
- 2-3 cups fresh baby spinach (packed): Adds a fresh pop of green and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (torn or sliced): Offers a bright, fragrant finish that lifts every spoonful.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all those flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil and butter in your soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about five minutes. These foundational flavors are what make the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe so irresistible—the sweetness of the onions combined with that silky butter oil base sets the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Build the Tomato and Herb Flavor
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Let this aromatic mixture cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This step intensifies the tomato essence and infuses the soup with a fragrant bouquet of herbs and subtle spice, which are signature notes in the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer and bubble for one to two minutes. This not only lifts all those beautiful bits off the bottom of the pot but also adds a sophisticated tang that brightens the richness of the soup. It’s a small but impactful step that gives this recipe an elegant depth.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta, Then Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once bubbling, add the uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, ensuring a consistent creamy texture that defines this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken
Once the pasta reaches tender perfection, stir in the heavy cream and chopped rotisserie chicken. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the cream to enrich the soup and the chicken to warm through thoroughly. This is when the soup truly transforms into a velvety, comforting delight full of savory goodness.
Step 6: Final Touches with Cheese and Greens
Turn off the heat and fold in the freshly grated parmesan, baby spinach, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and serve once the spinach has just wilted. Don’t forget to top your bowls with extra parmesan for that perfect finishing touch. These vibrant greens and salty cheese brighten and balance the creamy base beautifully in the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top is a simple yet indulgent garnish. For an extra burst of flavor, add a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. These little touches elevate every spoonful and add an inviting look to your soup bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of these sides contrast the creamy soup, creating a well-rounded meal that feels special yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy vibe or in pretty glass mugs for a modern twist that shows off its gorgeous colors. Adding a small ramekin of extra parmesan or chili flakes on the side invites guests to customize their bowls. Presentation is part of the fun when sharing this soul-satisfying dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, sometimes tasting even better the next day. Just be mindful that the pasta may soak up some broth during storage.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without the spinach and basil, which are best added fresh after reheating. Freeze in portion-sized airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating or the pasta from sticking. Add fresh spinach and basil during reheating or just before serving to keep their flavors bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! While sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and chewiness, you can swap them with chopped fresh tomatoes for a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind the soup might be less tangy and rich.
Is it okay to use regular chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken breast or thighs can be used. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds extra flavor, but any cooked chicken will work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use a vegan parmesan to keep it dairy-free. The soup will have a different but still delicious flavor and texture.
What pasta works best in Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe?
Rotini or fusilli are preferred because their spirals hold the sauce well. However, any small pasta like penne or shells will do—just adjust cooking times if needed.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that can be omitted or adjusted to your liking. Overall, the soup is mild with a gentle warming kick, perfect for most palates.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about making and sharing the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of cozy nights and good company. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this soup has a way of winning hearts and filling bellies. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods worth savoring again and again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting soup loaded with tender chicken, savory tomato flavors, fresh herbs, and hearty pasta. This Italian-inspired soup combines sautéed onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste reduced in white wine broth, then enriched with cream and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh spinach and basil, it’s a luscious one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Dairy
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Protein, Pasta & Greens
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1.5 cups uncooked rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil, torn or sliced
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent and soft.
- Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble gently for 1-2 minutes while stirring to incorporate the tomato paste mixture into the wine.
- Simmer Soup & Cook Pasta: Add chicken broth and increase heat to high. Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot partially, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in heavy cream and cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until pasta is tender and chicken is heated through.
- Finish & Serve: Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until spinach wilts, then serve with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Sun-dried tomatoes add intense flavor; if unavailable, you can substitute with more tomato paste or omit.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cooked leftover chicken breast.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with extra chicken broth if desired.
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth quantity slightly or cook pasta longer before adding cream.
- Fresh basil and spinach add freshness; omit if unavailable, or substitute with kale or arugula.
