Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in just about half an hour, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. I absolutely love how this soup balances rich creaminess with bright sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken — it’s like a warm hug in a bowl that you can whip up on a busy weeknight. The depth of flavor it delivers is surprisingly impressive for such a quick and straightforward recipe.

Whether you’re craving something soothing after a long day or you’re feeding a crowd with limited time, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup really shines. I discovered this trick when I wanted a faster alternative to my usual thick chicken stews but didn’t want to sacrifice any of the heartiness or comfort. You’ll enjoy how the fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavor, and it’s versatile enough to customize to what you have on hand.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines pantry staples like garlic and onion with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy cheeses to create a uniquely rich and satisfying soup. Picking good-quality broth and fresh spinach really takes it to the next level, so if you can, choose the best versions you can find.

• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor in sautéing the aromatics.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion works well—diced finely so it softens nicely.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that essential fragrant kick.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil: These add a wonderful tang and richness; draining the oil helps control the soup’s fat content.
• Tomato paste: Boosts depth and umami for a robust broth.
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want to control the salt levels better.
• Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the soup’s taste beautifully.
• Crushed red pepper: For a subtle heat that you can tweak based on your preference.
• Gluten free shell pasta or pasta of choice: Shells hold the broth well, but any small pasta works.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy flavor.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness to balance the creamy broth.
• Half & half or Original Nutpods for dairy free: Adds rich creaminess without heaviness.
• Boursin cheese or cream cheese substitute: Provides that signature savory, cheesy tang that’s so comforting.
• Parmesan cheese: Divided for stirring into the soup and garnish, boosts umami.

Variations

I love switching things up depending on what I have or who I’m cooking for. This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe is a wonderful base that plays well with substitutions and additions, so feel free to make it your own.

• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve made this many times using Nutpods instead of half & half and Kite Hill cream cheese—you’ll still get that creamy texture without the dairy.
• Spice it Up: When I want extra heat, I add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flair.
• Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or zucchini just before adding spinach to sneak in more veggies.
• Pasta Alternatives: For a lower-carb option, swapping pasta for cauliflower rice works surprisingly well!

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics for a Flavorful Base

Start by heating your olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant—this builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it. I like to stir frequently and watch for the onion to turn translucent without browning to keep the soup’s taste clean and bright.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste for Depth

Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a couple tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Stir them into the aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes—this helps the tomato paste cook out its raw flavor and lets the sun-dried tomatoes infuse the oil with their intense sweetness and tang. This step is what gives the broth that gorgeous, layered richness you’ll notice in every spoonful.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Cook the Pasta

Pour in your chicken broth, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add your gluten free shell pasta (or your pasta of choice). Cook it over medium heat until it’s just al dente — that means still a bit firm in the center because it’ll keep cooking later in the soup. I like to taste the pasta early because overcooked noodles can turn mushy once the soup is finished, which I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 4: Stir in Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Cheeses

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add your shredded cooked chicken, chopped baby spinach, half & half, Boursin cheese, and a quarter cup of Parmesan. Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through, the spinach wilts perfectly, and the cheese melts into a creamy bliss. This is the magic moment where the soup transforms into that luscious, creamy texture we all crave.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of crushed red pepper, and extra Parmesan if you like. I find these simple garnishes add brightness and an extra punch of flavor — it’s the little details that really make the experience. Now, dig in and enjoy every cozy spoonful!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and slight herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of warmth and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese brings an irresistible savory finish that my family always asks for.

Side Dishes

To make it a full meal, I often serve this soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, a warm cornbread muffin is exactly the cozy touch that complements the creamy texture and tomato notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners or entertaining friends, I’ve ladled the soup into individual rustic bread bowls, which add charm and an edible vessel for dunking. You can also layer the soup in clear glass mugs or mini Mason jars for a cute, casual presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, I always keep the pasta separate from the broth. This keeps the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and getting mushy. I store the soup base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and just add fresh or reheated pasta when serving.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well, but I’ve learned to freeze it without the pasta and dairy components. When I thaw it later, I gently reheat the broth and then stir in freshly cooked pasta and cheese. This keeps the texture fresh and delicious.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent the dairy ingredients from separating. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps restore the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines convenience and comfort in one bowl. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned soup lover, it’s incredibly satisfying to have a recipe that’s both easy and packed with flavor. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it over and over again, just like my family and I do!

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