Marry Me Chicken Soup

I fell head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Soup the first time I made it—it’s a creamy, flavorful twist on the viral Tuscan chicken dish, turning it into a comforting one-pot soup that feels way more indulgent than it actually is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that it comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and maximum flavor with minimal effort. The rich cream sauce—thickened with flour, heavy cream, Parmesan, and cooked-down sundried tomatoes—is the real showstopper. It delivers that cozy, soupy pasta-meets-chicken vibe perfectly, and honestly, it’s so smooth my partner jokingly asked for a ring after trying it!

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1–1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup diced carrots

• ½ cup diced celery

• ½ cup diced onions

• ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

• 6–8 cups chicken broth (start with 6, add more for desired consistency)

• 6 oz pasta (small shells, elbows, ditalini, etc.)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• ½–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2½–3 cups fresh spinach

directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 4–5 minutes.

2. Add onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Sprinkle in the flour (and tomato paste, if using), stirring to combine and cook off the raw flour taste.

4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, deglazing the bottom of the pot, until smooth.

5. Bring to a simmer. Add pasta, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked and pasta is al dente.

6. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 10 cups (approximately 6–8 servings)

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for richer flavor or breasts for leaner protein.

• Use rotisserie chicken—add it at the end to avoid overcooking.

• Experiment with pasta shapes like fusilli, bow tie, or cavatappi.

• Add veggies: red bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or broccoli.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes, Cajun seasoning, or a drizzle of chili oil.

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, coconut milk, or cream cheese for different textures.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with added broth or water to loosen the sauce—a little thinning goes a long way.

• Freeze broth base for up to 3 months; keep pasta and cream separate if possible. Thaw and reheat with fresh cream and pasta to preserve texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—I cook pasta separately or use gluten-free pasta. Stir it in just before serving to avoid mushiness.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to warm through, keeping it tender.

3. How do I avoid mushy pasta?

Cook pasta separately until al dente and add it at the end, or taste often during cooking and remove it when it’s just right.

4. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, whole milk, coconut milk, or softened cream cheese work—though they’ll slightly alter thickness and taste.

5. Can I make this dairy-free or vegetarian?

Yes—use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives, vegetable broth, and omit chicken or add chickpeas or beans for protein.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Soup is the kind of recipe I go back to again and again—cozy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s practically guaranteed to elicit “wow” from anyone who tries it. Give it a go, and maybe you won’t need an engagement ring—just a ladle and a heaping bowl!