If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you absolutely need to try making Marry Me Chicken Soup. This recipe perfectly balances rich, creamy textures with the vibrant tang of sun-dried tomatoes, savory herbs, and tender chicken, making it the ultimate comfort food. Every spoonful offers a wonderful combination of flavors that feels both luxurious and soothing, making it a guaranteed favorite for lunch, dinner, or any cozy occasion.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to achieving the delicious depth of flavor in Marry Me Chicken Soup. Each one adds a unique element — whether it’s the sweetness of carrots, the aromatic garlic, or the creamy Parmesan cheese, these essentials come together beautifully.

8 oz dry ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes that hold up perfectly in soup without becoming mushy.

3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil: The rich oil infused with sun-dried tomatoes adds a subtle tangy sweetness and depth.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Offers a gentle sweetness and forms the soup’s aromatic base.

3 medium carrots, chopped: Provide natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
3 celery stalks, chopped: Bring subtle bitterness and texture to balance the soup.

8 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic elevates every component with its warm and pungent aroma.
¼ cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the broth with umami.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a touch of silkiness to coat the veggies and deepen flavor.

⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Small bursts of tartness and chewy texture.
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing warmth and body without overpowering.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A herb medley that brings classic Italian flair.

1 tsp dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a hint of bitterness that balances richness.
½ tsp dried basil: Brings a gentle, sweet herbaceous note.
1¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.

½ tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked): Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
¾ cup heavy cream: Contributes luxurious creaminess that completes the soup’s silky texture.

¾ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the broth, infusing it with savory richness.
Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A fresh, fragrant finishing touch.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This is important because you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture once it’s added to the soup later. After draining, set it aside so it doesn’t overcook when combined with the broth.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery, then sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just enough to release its aroma without burning it.

Step 3: Build the Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste and butter, making sure the veggies are coated evenly. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavors and marry all those savory, tangy notes beautifully.

Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the broth to become wonderfully infused.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and the cooked pasta. Mix everything together until the cheese melts completely and the soup is warmed through, achieving that rich, creamy consistency that makes Marry Me Chicken Soup so irresistible.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle your finished soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a bright and herbal note. Serve immediately to enjoy every delicious spoonful at its comforting best.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup

Garnishes

While fresh basil is a fantastic garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, don’t hesitate to get creative. A few shavings of Parmesan on top, a drizzle of good quality olive oil, or even some crushed red pepper flakes can personalize your bowl perfectly and add new layers of taste.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic butter rolls, or a crisp green salad. These sides complement the creamy texture and hearty flavors of the soup, making your meal feel balanced and complete without overpowering the star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in small, rustic bowls with a fresh basil leaf perched on top, alongside a small plate of garlic breadsticks. You might also consider presenting it in large mugs for a casual lunch or during a chilly afternoon gathering—it’s as charming as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Marry Me Chicken Soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be mindful if you added pasta beforehand, as it may absorb too much broth.

Freezing

You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup, but for best results, keep the cooked pasta separate if possible. Freeze the soup base and chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much, and stir in any reserved pasta near the end to avoid it becoming mushy. This slow warming keeps the creamy texture intact and flavors fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While ditalini is ideal because it holds up well in soup, you can substitute with orzo, small shells, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to cook them al dente and avoid overcooking when adding to the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor boost.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and flavor, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs. Just be sure the chicken is shredded finely to blend nicely throughout the soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might want to add beans or extra veggies for protein and heartiness instead.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This soup is mild and warming, with no spicy heat unless you choose to add red pepper flakes or other spicy condiments. It’s designed to be creamy and comforting rather than fiery.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup is one of those dishes that somehow balances simplicity with stunning flavor, comfort with elegance. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even some heartfelt compliments. Give this recipe a try—you just might find a new family favorite!

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy chicken soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty ditalini pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich blend of Italian herbs, all enveloped in a flavorful tomato and Parmesan cheese broth. This cozy soup is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or when you need a little culinary romance in a bowl.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the soup base.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.

Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and unsalted butter, mixing well to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and continue to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the flavors and slightly soften the tomatoes.
Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
Finish the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked ditalini pasta. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese melts into the creamy broth and the soup is heated through.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve the soup warm for best enjoyment.

Notes

You can substitute ditalini pasta with other small pastas like elbow macaroni or small shells.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or shredded leftover cooked chicken.

Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your broth.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream’s texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 360
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g

Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, Italian chicken soup, ditalini pasta soup, comforting soup recipe