Rich, cozy, and full of flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Soup tastes like something you would order at a restaurant, but it all happens in one pot at home. Tender chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan simmer together in a silky cream broth that feels perfect for chilly evenings.
This is the soup I reach for when I want comfort that still counts as a real meal, not just a starter. It fits right in with my favorite fall soup recipes and it is easy enough for busy weeknights. If you love creamy chicken soup recipes that feel special without being fussy, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
Table of Contents
Why This Marry Me Chicken Soup Is a Fall Favorite
- Cozy, creamy broth with Tuscan flavors that feels made for fall soups and cold nights
- Simple, mostly pantry ingredients and one pot, so it earns a spot on your easy soup recipes list
- Hearty enough to be a full soup dinner with just bread or a quick salad
- Flexible, works with chicken breasts, thighs, or rotisserie chicken you already have
- Stovetop and crock pot options, plus make ahead tips for busy weeks
The Story Behind My Marry Me Chicken Soup
I first made this Marry Me Chicken Soup on a night when I wanted something cozy but impressive without standing in the kitchen for hours. It was just meant to be a simple homemade soup with what I had on hand, but it turned into the kind of bowl you do not want to share.
Over time it moved from a date night idea to a regular soup dinner in our house. I kept the recipe simple enough to qualify as one of my go-to easy soups, but with enough flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan that it still feels special every time I make it.
Marry Me Chicken Soup at a Glance
- Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total time: about 40 to 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 (about 8 to 10 cups of soup)
- Difficulty: Easy, one pot
- Approx calories: about 300 per cup, depending on ingredients
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup
This makes about 8 to 10 cups of creamy homemade soup. Measurements are given in both metric and imperial.
Chicken, Broth and Pasta
- 680 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut in 2.5 cm pieces
(about 1.5 lb) - 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1.5 liters low sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
(6 cups) - 170 g short pasta, such as small shells, ditalini or elbow
(6 oz) - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken if you like. Stir it in at the end and just warm through.
- Any small, sturdy pasta works in this chicken soup recipe.
Vegetables and Tuscan Flavor
- 1 small onion, diced
(about 120 g or 1 cup) - 2 medium carrots, diced
(about 120 g or 1 cup) - 2 celery stalks, diced
(about 80 g or ¾ cup) - 60 g sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
(about ¼ cup packed) - 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
Substitutions
- Swap spinach with kale, chopped small.
- Add diced red bell pepper or mushrooms for extra fall soup recipes style veggies.
Creamy Broth and Cheese
- 30 g all purpose flour
(¼ cup) - 240 ml heavy cream
(1 cup) - 40 to 60 g freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano
(½ to ¾ cup) - 80 to 100 g baby spinach, roughly chopped
(3 to 4 cups loosely packed)
Substitutions
- For a lighter recette santé style version, use half heavy cream and half milk, or half and half.
- For gluten free, replace flour with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and use gluten free pasta.
Best Chicken and Pasta for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Best Chicken Options
You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or rotisserie chicken in this recipe.
- Chicken breasts:
Lean, mild and easy to dice. Great if you want this closer to a lighter recette santé version with fewer calories. - Chicken thighs:
Juicier and more flavorful, with a richer broth. Ideal if you like your chicken soup recipes a little more indulgent. - Rotisserie chicken:
Fast option for busy nights. Shred the cooked chicken and stir it in during the last few minutes so it warms without drying out.
Best Pasta Shapes and Texture Tips
Short pasta holds up best in creamy easy soups.
Good choices
- Small shells
- Ditalini
- Elbows
- Mini penne or fusilli
To avoid mushy pasta:
- Cook just to al dente, then turn the heat down.
- If you plan to meal prep, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.
Equipment for This Homemade Soup
You do not need any special gear to make this Marry Me Chicken Soup. A few basics help keep it truly easy.
Essential
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven, at least 5 to 6 quarts
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Optional but helpful
- Slow cooker for the crock pot soup method
- Fine grater for fresh Parmesan
- Storage containers for meal prep or leftovers
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Step by Step
This is a simple one pot method that fits right into your easy soup recipes list.
- Season and brown the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. - Soften the vegetables
Add onion, carrots, celery, sun dried tomatoes and garlic. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the onion is softened. - Thicken with flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and chicken. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour coats everything and loses its raw taste. - Add broth and simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. - Cook the pasta in the soup
Stir in the pasta. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is just al dente and the chicken is cooked through. - Finish with cream, spinach and cheese
Turn heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan and spinach. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the broth is creamy. - Taste and adjust
Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper or Parmesan as needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in a splash of extra broth.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a hands off crock pot soup, this version is very simple.
- Add diced chicken, onion, carrots, celery, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta separately on the stove until just al dente. Drain.
- Stir the heavy cream, Parmesan, spinach and cooked pasta into the slow cooker. Cover and heat on High for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and creamy.
This keeps the pasta from turning soggy and still gives you the same rich Marry Me Chicken Soup flavor.
Pro Tips and Variations for Marry Me Chicken Soup
Keep this recipe flexible so it always fits your table and your schedule.
Simple pro tips
- For extra flavor, add crisp bacon or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables.
- If the soup feels too thick, thin it with a little warm broth, not water.
- For easier cleanup, grate Parmesan right into the pot instead of dirtying a bowl.
Flavor variations for cozy fall soups
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced butternut squash with the carrots and celery.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten the rich broth.
- Toss in fresh basil or thyme just before serving.
Dietary swaps and recette santé ideas
- For a lighter bowl, use half cream and half milk and add extra spinach or chopped kale.
- For lower carbs, reduce the pasta and add more vegetables or diced zucchini.
- For dairy free, use full fat coconut milk and a dairy free Parmesan style cheese.
These tweaks keep Marry Me Chicken Soup in your easy soups and easy soup recipes lineup all season.
If you want the same creamy, romantic flavor in a pasta dish, try my Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for your next date night dinner.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Soup
Fridge
- Cool the soup, then store in airtight containers up to 3 to 4 days.
- The pasta will keep soaking up broth, so the soup will thicken as it sits.
Freezer
- For best texture, freeze the soup without pasta for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat for serving.
- If you do freeze with pasta, expect it to be softer after thawing.
Reheating
- Reheat gently on the stove over medium low heat, or use the microwave.
- Stir in extra broth or a splash of water if the soup is too thick.
- This works very well for meal prep if you like having fall soup recipes ready ahead.
Nutrition and Recette Santé Notes
Per cup, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is roughly 300 calories, with a good balance of protein, carbs and fat. Exact numbers will depend on the brands and pasta you use.
To make it closer to a lighter recette santé style bowl, use chicken breasts, reduce the cream by half and add extra vegetables like spinach, kale or zucchini. You still get comforting flavor with a bit less richness.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup for Soup Dinner
Turn this into a complete soup dinner with a few simple additions.
- Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic bread or toast for dipping.
- Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
- Top each bowl with extra Parmesan, black pepper, chili flakes or fresh herbs.
Leftovers reheat well, so you can plan this Marry Me Chicken Soup for an easy soup dinner two nights in a row.
Marry Me Chicken Soup FAQ
Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Soup as a crock pot soup?
Yes. Add the chicken, vegetables, seasoning and broth to the slow cooker and cook until the chicken is tender, then finish with cream, spinach, Parmesan and cooked pasta. This gives you a cozy crock pot soup with very little hands on time.
How can I keep this homemade soup from getting too thick?
Start with the lower end of the broth amount, then add more only if needed. If the soup thickens in the pot or after chilling, stir in a bit of warm broth while reheating until it reaches the texture you like.
What is the best way to make a lighter recette santé version?
Use chicken breasts, cut back the cream by half and replace that volume with extra broth or milk. Add extra spinach, kale or other vegetables so the bowl feels filling without relying only on cream and cheese.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and makes this feel like one of the easiest chicken soup recipes you can make. Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the hot broth near the end and warm it gently so it does not dry out.
How do I stop the pasta from getting mushy in this easy soup recipe?
Cook the pasta only until just al dente and do not let the soup boil hard after that. For meal prep, cook the pasta separately and add it to each serving of Marry Me Chicken Soup as you reheat.
How long does this soup last in the fridge and freezer?
In the fridge, keep it in sealed containers and use it within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for 2 to 3 months, ideally without pasta for the best texture.
What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup for a full soup dinner?
Pair it with crusty bread, garlic bread or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or carrots, also turn this into a hearty soup dinner that feels complete.
Can I make this with gluten free or dairy free swaps?
Yes. Use gluten free pasta and thicken the broth with cornstarch instead of flour, then choose a dairy free milk such as full fat coconut milk and a dairy free Parmesan style cheese. These changes still give you an easy soup that is rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts: Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup Tonight
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is rich, cozy and simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight, yet special enough to sit beside your favorite fall soup recipes. You get tender chicken, pasta and vegetables in a creamy Tuscan style broth that works as a full soup dinner with just bread or salad on the side.
Whether you make the stovetop version or the crock pot soup method, it is the kind of homemade soup that people remember and ask for again. Save this to your easy soup recipes and easy soups list, then try it once and see why Marry Me Chicken Soup earns its name.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Slow cooker (optional for crock pot soup method)
- Fine grater for Parmesan
Ingredients
Chicken, Broth and Pasta
- 680 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs about 1 1/2 lb, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1440 ml low sodium chicken broth about 6 cups, plus more as needed to thin
- 170 g short pasta such as small shells, ditalini or elbow pasta (about 6 oz)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning divided, 1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the broth
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper plus more to taste
Vegetables and Tuscan Flavor
- 1 small onion, diced about 1 cup or 120 g
- 2 medium carrots, diced about 1 cup or 120 g
- 2 celery stalks, diced about 3/4 cup or 80 g
- 60 g sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped about 1/4 cup packed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Creamy Broth and Cheese
- 30 g all purpose flour about 1/4 cup, for thickening
- 240 ml heavy cream about 1 cup
- 60 g freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, to taste
- 90 g baby spinach, roughly chopped about 3 to 4 cups loosely packed
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- cooked bacon, crumbled optional, for extra flavor when serving
Instructions
- Step 1 – Season and brown the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the salt and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the outside of the chicken is lightly browned. - Step 2 – Soften the vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, sun dried tomatoes and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and the mixture smells fragrant. - Step 3 – Add flour to thicken
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well for 1 to 2 minutes so the flour coats everything and cooks a little. This will help give the Marry Me Chicken Soup its creamy texture later. - Step 4 – Add broth and simmer
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Step 5 – Cook the pasta
Stir in the pasta. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the soup simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring a few times, until the pasta is just al dente and the chicken is cooked through. Do not boil hard or the pasta can become mushy. - Step 6 – Finish with cream, spinach and Parmesan
Turn the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan and chopped spinach. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the broth is thick and creamy. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash more broth. - Step 7 – Taste and serve
Taste the Marry Me Chicken Soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper or Parmesan if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes or crumbled bacon if you like. Serve hot as a hearty soup dinner. - Slow cooker or crock pot soup variation
To make this as a crock pot soup, add the raw diced chicken, onion, carrots, celery, sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the broth, stir, then cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender. About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta separately on the stove until just al dente. Stir the heavy cream, Parmesan, spinach and cooked pasta into the slow cooker and heat on High for 10 to 15 minutes, then serve.
Notes
Start with the lower end of the broth amount and only add more if you want a looser soup. The pasta will keep soaking up liquid as the soup sits, so it is normal for leftovers to be thicker. When reheating, add a little warm broth or water to thin it back to your preferred consistency. Make ahead and meal prep:
If you plan to use this recipe for meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl when serving. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft. The base of the soup stores well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Lighter recette santé style version:
For a lighter bowl, use chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the cream by half and replace that amount with extra broth or milk. Add more vegetables such as spinach, kale, zucchini or mushrooms. You still get the cozy feel of Marry Me Chicken Soup with a bit less richness. Serving ideas:
Serve this creamy Tuscan style soup with crusty bread, garlic bread or a simple green salad. It is hearty enough to be the star of a soup dinner and makes great leftovers for lunches or another easy soup night. Nutrition Facts:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Potassium: 450 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 1500 IU
- Vitamin C: 8 mg
- Calcium: 200 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
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