If you’re craving a comforting bowl that tastes like a warm hug from your kitchen, you have to try this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a delightfully rich and creamy soup, packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all cozying up to farfalle pasta in a luscious, flavorful broth. This recipe hits that perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and irresistibly creamy, making it an amazing dish for any day when you want to feel pampered with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s the sun-kissed zing of sundried tomatoes, the fragrant punch of garlic, or the creamy notes from parmesan and heavy cream—that brings the whole soup together with amazing depth and warmth.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that shreds beautifully and soaks up all those flavor layers.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle fruity notes while helping to sauté the veggies perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Works hand-in-hand with olive oil to create a silky sauté base for your onions and garlic.
- 1/2 cup onion, yellow or white (small diced): Brings sweetness and texture, breaking down to meld with every bite.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): For that essential aromatic backbone that makes the soup sing.
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, oil packed (chopped): Adds a tangy, umami-packed richness that brightens the broth.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and enriches the color of the soup wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough kick to keep things interesting and balance the creaminess.
- 7 cups chicken stock: The liquid gold that transforms all these ingredients into a silky, flavorful soup base.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Subtle herbal notes that blend beautifully with chicken and tomatoes.
- 2-3 teaspoons salt: Season carefully to bring out every flavor without overpowering the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta: These pretty bow-tie shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly and offer a fun, chewy texture contrast.
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (rinsed): Bursts of green, nutrients, and fresh vibrancy that soften gently in the broth.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: The ingredient that gives this soup its luscious, velvety richness you won’t be able to resist.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded): The salty, nutty finish that melts in and ties all flavors together.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (whole or chopped): Herbaceous freshness to lift the soup and add a bright final layer.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Start by gently simmering your boneless chicken breasts in water until they are cooked through and tender. This method keeps the chicken juicy and simple. Once cooked, remove the breasts and shred them finely with two forks—this shredded chicken will soak up all the flavors of your later steps and give you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same pot, heat the olive oil and butter together over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent—this slow cook will develop sweetness. Add in the minced garlic next and cook just for about 30 seconds more so the garlic releases its amazing aroma but doesn’t burn. This stage lays down a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning
Next comes the magic: stirred in with love, add your tomato paste, chopped sundried tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes as everything melds into a thick, deeply flavored mixture. The tomato paste intensifies the soup’s body while sundried tomatoes contribute bursts of tang and texture, and the pepper flakes introduce a teasing spice.
Step 4: Add Stock, Herbs, and Pasta
Pour in the chicken stock and bring the entire pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Now, add your farfalle pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until your pasta is done al dente—tender but with a little bite left, giving your soup great texture.
Step 5: Combine Spinach, Chicken, and Cream
Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with fresh baby spinach, shredded parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and the fresh basil. Gently stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a rich, creamy broth that’s loaded with flavor. This final step makes the soup unbelievably satisfying, with bright pops of green and lots of comfort in every bowl.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe even more, sprinkle a little extra parmesan or some freshly ground black pepper right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few torn basil leaves scattered on top can add an elegant finishing touch and an extra pop of freshness that will make each spoonful memorable.
Side Dishes
This soup wonderfully pairs with crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast for dipping into every creamy drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast, balancing the soup’s richness perfectly when you want a more rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests or make a casual meal feel special. Garnishing with edible flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs around the rim can add color and charm if you’re serving for a special occasion. Trust me, presentation can make enjoying this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe feel even more cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare ahead and savor it later. Be sure to leave out the pasta if freezing, or add it fresh when reheating so it doesn’t become mushy. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for convenience, and label with the date to keep track.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it feels too thick after sitting. If you froze the soup without pasta, cook fresh pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy after shredding, giving you a slightly deeper flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is it okay to use store-bought chicken stock?
Yes, using good quality store-bought stock works perfectly for this recipe. If you have homemade stock on hand, that’s fantastic and will deepen the flavor, but store-bought options are a wonderful shortcut and still deliver great taste.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan to give you that cheesy umami flavor without the dairy.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have farfalle?
Any small pasta shape like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni works wonderfully if you don’t have farfalle. The key is choosing pasta small enough to hold some broth but not overpower the soup.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes is just enough to add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, adding more if you love a bit of heat or less if you prefer mild.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is destined to become one of your all-time favorites. It’s that perfect marriage of comforting, satisfying flavors with a touch of elegance that makes you want to savor every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup is an absolute winner—rich, creamy, and bursting with freshness and warmth. Give it a try, and I know it’ll warm your heart and your appetite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, farfalle pasta, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy tomato broth. This hearty soup combines savory chicken stock with the tangy depth of tomato paste and parmesan cheese, finished with fragrant basil and a hint of red pepper flakes for a comforting and delicious dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 7 cups chicken stock
Sauté
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup onion, yellow or white, small diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, oil packed, chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2–3 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, rinsed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, whole or chopped
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large pot filled with water and bring to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the cooking water.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato components: Stir in the tomato paste, chopped sundried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors and deepen the tomato paste’s flavor.
- Simmer the soup and cook pasta: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the farfalle pasta, lower the heat to medium, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the soup: Add the shredded chicken, fresh baby spinach, shredded parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and fresh basil to the pot. Stir everything together and cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. If using dry ones, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- The soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute farfalle pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the chicken stock by one cup or use less cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
