Description
This Marry Me Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a blend of aromatic spices. The addition of cream cheese and parmesan creates a rich, velvety broth paired perfectly with al dente pasta shells. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a hearty soup perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced small
- 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, sliced or chopped small
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Protein and Broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved (not powdered)
Additional Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells, cooked al dente and drained
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until the onion starts to soften and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Spices, Chicken, and Broth: Mix in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cooked chicken, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and parmesan cheese. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the cooked, drained pasta shells to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and allow pasta to absorb some of the broth.
- Finish with Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Mix gently until the spinach wilts, which will take a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil; if using dry sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate in warm water before using.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, sun-dried tomato soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup recipe
