Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a Tuscan-style, craveable creamy soup with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, Parmesan, and spinach in a silky broth. This easy one-pot soup captures classic “marry me chicken” flavor in a cozy bowl, finished with cream and cheese for richness and a bright squeeze of lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and comforting leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 8 oz small pasta (shells, ditalini, or orecchiette)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan (plus more to serve)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
- Salt to taste (add at the end)
- Optional add-ins: 1 can cannellini beans (rinsed), sautéed mushrooms, fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- 1. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot and sauté onion until soft
- 2. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant
- 3. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), pepper, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer
- 5. Add chicken and simmer until cooked through and tender
- 6. Remove chicken, shred or chop, then return to the pot
- 7. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, stirring occasionally
- 8. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, then add Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth
- 9. Stir in spinach until wilted, add lemon juice if desired, and season with salt to taste
- 10. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded can turn gritty
- Do not boil after adding cream and cheese—gentle heat keeps the soup silky
- Pasta absorbs broth as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating
- For best leftovers, cook pasta separately and add per bowl
- Sun-dried tomato oil adds big flavor; olive oil works if needed
- Salt last because Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes add saltiness
- To thicken, add more Parmesan or simmer a few minutes longer
- To lighten, use half-and-half and add extra spinach
- Freeze best without pasta; add fresh pasta after reheating
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup, marry me chicken soup, tuscan chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, parmesan chicken soup, one pot soup