Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is the kind of dish that feels like it’s wrapping you up in a warm, loving embrace with every spoonful. This is not your ordinary chicken soup – it’s bursting with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy richness from cream cheese and heavy cream, and heady herbs that fill the kitchen with irresistible aroma. The shells catch every drop of that velvety broth, the spinach adds a pop of color, and the rotisserie chicken keeps things super simple. It’s a comfort classic with a gourmet twist – a true showstopper for Sunday dinner or cozy lunches alike.

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of these ingredients does something wonderful: they build layers of flavor, lend gorgeous texture, or add punchy color to make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl hard to resist. Really pay attention to the quality here – from fragrant basil to luxurious cream cheese, every choice counts!

Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs): Brings a sweet-tart, umami-packed punch and a pop of color to every bite.
Oil from sun-dried tomato jar (1 tbsp): Adds herby, tomatoey goodness right from the start for the ultimate flavor base.
Yellow onion (1 ½ cups, chopped): Sweetens and softens the soup as it cooks, giving a gentle foundation.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must for depth – it perfumes the whole pot and makes the soup crave-worthy.
Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Intensifies all of that tomato flavor, giving body and color to the broth.
Chicken broth (32 oz or 2 packages): The heart of the soup, providing rich savoriness (use good-quality broth for best results).
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Elevates the soup with lush, creamy texture for maximum comfort.
Fresh basil (4 tsp, plus more for garnish): Brings an unmistakable herbal brightness that ties all the flavors together.
Kosher salt (2 tsp): Enhances every ingredient and keeps the flavors balanced.
Dried Italian seasoning (1 ½ tsp): Adds subtle warmth and those quintessential Italian herby notes.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Backs up the fresh garlic for extra savory impact.
Crushed red pepper (¼ tsp or more): Lends a whisper of heat – taste as you go if you like it spicy.
Medium shell pasta (8 oz, uncooked): The perfect shape for soaking up broth and making every spoonful extra hearty.
Fresh baby spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Wilts down beautifully, delivering fresh color and extra nutrients.
Shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups): So convenient and tender – a shortcut to succulent bites without extra work.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed and room temp): Melts into the soup, creating a deliriously creamy, dreamy texture.
Parmesan cheese (1 ½ oz, finely shredded, plus more for garnish): Adds nutty-salty depth and makes the soup extra special.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl by warming 1 tablespoon of that flavorful sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and fragrant – about 3 to 4 minutes. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven!

Step 2: Build the Base

Add in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, letting them cook while you stir for about 2 minutes. The tomato paste will deepen in color and scent, totally transforming the base of the soup into something rich and vibrant. This is where all that lovely, sweet-tangy tomato character starts to layer in.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream, fresh basil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Stir everything together and bring it up to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it simmer for 12 minutes, allowing all those beautiful flavors to meld while the broth becomes irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your uncooked shell pasta, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Give it a stir every now and then, and let the pasta cook for about 12 minutes until it’s tender but not mushy. The shells will grab onto all that creamy, herby broth – trust me, this is the magic bite!

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Delicious

Now for the really cozy part! Lower your heat to low, then add in the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes – the cheeses should melt into the soup and the chicken will warm through, turning Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl into an ultra-luxurious, velvety bowlful.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, then finish with extra Parmesan, torn fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little more heat. Serve it right away, ideally with slices of crusty bread or a vibrant green salad to soak up every last drop of that gorgeous broth.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Garnishes

The final touches are what turn a great bowl of Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl into an unforgettable comfort food experience. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan for salty depth, toss on some fresh basil leaves for brightness, and don’t forget those red pepper flakes if you crave a touch of heat. It isn’t just pretty – these finishing garnishes layer on extra flavor and drama.

Side Dishes

A soup this rich loves some simple companions. Think of a loaf of crusty sourdough, a hunk of focaccia, or warm, garlicky breadsticks – they’re perfect for swooping through the bowl. If you’re serving this as part of a bigger meal, go for a bright green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Even a plate of roasted veggies would be welcome!

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl into a hollowed-out bread boule for a rustic twist, or serve in wide, shallow bowls so the gorgeous pasta and spinach shine through. For a special occasion, top each portion with a drizzle of good olive oil and a scattering of microgreens. You could even serve tiny soup shooters as an elegant appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Kept in the fridge, it stays deliciously creamy and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier as they meld – it’s almost better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, do so before adding the pasta and spinach for best texture. Scoop the soup base into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, cook the pasta separately, then add pasta and freshly chopped spinach before enjoying.

Reheating

For gentle reheating, place the soup in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. If the soup has thickened overnight, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If you’ve frozen your soup, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the creamiest results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shell pasta works perfectly for holding onto all that delicious broth, you can swap in any short pasta you love – like ditalini, elbows, or even orecchiette. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may cook faster or slower.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this soup just as creamy?

You can make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl completely dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and your favorite dairy-free cream cheese. There are even plant-based Parmesan alternatives for that final flourish. The soup will still be luscious and full of flavor!

Can I use leftover chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Any cooked chicken will work beautifully here. Just shred or chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces so it warms quickly and takes on the flavors of that ultra-creamy broth.

How spicy is this soup?

As written, Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl has just a gentle hint of heat from the crushed red pepper. If you love spice, add a pinch (or more!) to taste, or leave it out altogether for a milder bite. Make it your own!

Can I make this soup in advance for a party?

Yes – it’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe. Prepare the soup up through the stage before adding the pasta and spinach, then gently reheat and finish those steps just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft and ensures the soup is vibrant and fresh for your guests.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl and experience its cozy embrace for yourself. It’s creamy, hearty, and utterly soul-soothing – perfect for sharing with the people you love (or just savoring solo on a quiet night in). Give it a try, and watch it become your new comfort food favorite!

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Warm your soul with this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup, a rich and creamy bowl of goodness that will make you feel cherished with every spoonful. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream cheese base, this soup is a hug in a bowl on a chilly day.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy & Delicious: Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

Notes

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 470
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Chicken Soup, Creamy Soup, Comfort Food