Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups egg noodles; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach

When the weather cools down, and I’m craving something warm, creamy, and full of flavor, Marry Me Chicken Soup is my go-to dish. It’s the perfect marriage of tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, velvety broth infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Every bite is comforting, with just the right balance of creaminess and savory goodness.

This soup takes inspiration from the beloved “Marry Me Chicken” dish, known for its irresistible flavors that make it proposal-worthy. The soup version is just as decadent but even cozier. It’s easy to make in one pot, packed with simple pantry staples, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Rich and creamy – A luscious broth with heavy cream and parmesan cheese makes every spoonful indulgent.
Hearty and satisfying – With shredded chicken and egg noodles, this soup is a complete, filling meal.
Packed with flavor – Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings give it a deep, savory taste.
One-pot recipe – Easy to make and clean up, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Crowd-pleaser – A dish the whole family will love, from kids to adults.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use?

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Soup is that it’s incredibly flexible when it comes to the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs for extra flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, bone-in, skin-on chicken simmered in the broth will add depth to the soup. Shred it after cooking for the best texture.

If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works perfectly—just toss it into the soup toward the end so it stays tender and juicy.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: Swap chicken for turkey if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
Noodles: Use gluten-free pasta or even rice for a different texture.
Cream: Instead of heavy cream, try half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have them, use fire-roasted tomatoes for a slightly different flavor.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty richness, but Pecorino Romano or grated mozzarella can also work.
Broth: For extra depth, replace part of the chicken broth with bone broth or vegetable broth.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Each ingredient in this soup plays a key role in creating its rich, comforting flavor.

Chicken – The heart of the dish, providing protein and a tender bite. Shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken works best.
Egg Noodles – These soak up the creamy broth and make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the soup, giving it a deep, savory taste. Use homemade or store-bought.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess, making the broth velvety smooth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Infuse the soup with a slightly tangy, umami-packed flavor.
Garlic – Essential for bringing warmth and depth to the dish. Freshly minced is best.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the soup, enhancing the savory and salty notes.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil for that signature Mediterranean touch.
Spinach – Adds a pop of color and freshness, making the soup more nutritious.
Red Pepper Flakes – A little heat balances the creaminess and adds a subtle kick.
Olive Oil & Butter – Used for sautéing and building layers of flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper – Simple but necessary to bring all the ingredients together.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the soup.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let everything simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles directly into the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, letting them melt into the broth. This gives the soup its signature rich, velvety texture. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Turn off the heat and gently fold in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the leaves while keeping their vibrant color and nutrients intact.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into bowls, garnish with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper, and serve immediately. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!

How Long to Cook Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:

Sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: 1-2 minutes
Simmering the broth with chicken and seasonings: 10 minutes
Cooking the noodles: 6-8 minutes
Melting in the cream and cheese: 2-3 minutes
Wilting the spinach: 1 minute

In total, the soup takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a fast, comforting meal.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

Don’t overcook the noodles. Since they continue absorbing liquid even after the heat is off, cook them just until tender to avoid mushiness.
Use freshly grated parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can create a grainy texture.
Adjust the thickness. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Season as you go. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for the perfect balance.
Use high-quality chicken broth. Since it’s the base of the soup, a good broth will make all the difference in flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the noodles – They will continue to soften in the hot broth, so cook them just until al dente.
Adding the cream too early – If added while the soup is boiling, the cream can curdle. Lower the heat first.
Skipping the sautéing step – Cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in oil first brings out their full flavor.
Using pre-shredded cheese – It contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so always grate fresh parmesan.
Not seasoning enough – Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Soup?

1. Crusty Bread

A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.

2. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a flavorful side.

4. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A melty, buttery grilled cheese pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.

5. Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery, and full of garlic flavor, these are a fun side option.

6. Mashed Potatoes

For extra comfort, serve the soup alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

7. Bruschetta

A fresh tomato and basil bruschetta adds a bright contrast to the rich soup.

8. White Wine

A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy flavors.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.
Freezing: While the broth and chicken freeze well, the noodles and cream can change in texture. If you plan to freeze, leave out the noodles and cream, then add them fresh when reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Estimated Nutrition

The following estimates are per serving, based on a typical portion:

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~20g
Saturated Fat: ~10g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~900mg

Note: These values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more as it sits. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove. You may need to add extra broth if it thickens.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use rotini, penne, or even orzo. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free version.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in while simmering.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add everything except the noodles, cream, and spinach to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in the noodles, cream, and spinach in the last 15-20 minutes.

6. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use fire-roasted tomatoes or cherry tomatoes instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

7. Can I make this soup spicy?

Of course! Add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

8. How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

If you’re making this soup in advance, cook the noodles separately and add them when serving. This keeps them from absorbing too much liquid over time.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort in a bowl. The creamy, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles make it a dish the whole family will love. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to enjoy every last spoonful!