If you’ve fallen in love with the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, you’re going to adore this cozy twist—Marry Me Chicken Soup. It has all the rich, creamy flavors of the original recipe but served in a warm, spoonable bowl. Packed with juicy chicken, savory herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a creamy broth, it’s elegant comfort food with irresistible charm.
Perfect for chilly evenings, romantic dinners, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort, this soup might not guarantee a proposal—but it sure does taste like love in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Add Chicken & Seasoning
- Add chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear lightly for 2–3 minutes per side (it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet).
Step 3: Pour in Broth & Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness
- Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add Spinach & Serve
- Stir in spinach and let it wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Variation
- Pasta Version: Add cooked tortellini or orzo for a heartier meal
- Low Carb: Skip the spinach and use riced cauliflower for a keto option
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers
- Cheese Swap: Use Asiago or Gruyère in place of Parmesan for a gourmet spin
Cooking Note
Sun-dried tomatoes bring rich, concentrated flavor—use the kind packed in oil for the best texture. Stir in cream slowly and avoid boiling after adding to prevent curdling. Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust added salt accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping
- Pair with a crisp side salad with balsamic dressing
- Add a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combo
- Serve as a starter to a romantic Italian-inspired dinner
- Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper for a bistro touch
Tips
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut
- Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes—they give the soup its signature flavor
- For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender on half the soup
- Freeze leftovers without the cream and add it fresh when reheating
Time Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: ~410
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~9g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Nutrition will vary depending on exact ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Make the soup and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
- Yes, but the soup will be thinner. For richness without cream, try half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Can I freeze it?
- Freeze the soup before adding cream. Thaw and stir in fresh cream after reheating.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
- Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be the same.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes! Shred and stir in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Soup is the creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort you didn’t know you were missing. Packed with juicy chicken, rich Parmesan, and the sweet-savory punch of sun-dried tomatoes, this soup brings all the bold, romantic flavor of the viral skillet recipe in spoonable form.
It’s comforting enough for a rainy day, elegant enough for date night, and easy enough to make any day of the week. One taste and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me.”