Marry Me Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy dish inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. It features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, pasta, and a touch of cream for a velvety finish. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is bursting with flavor, offering a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy elements. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic spices, and the richness of heavy cream makes each spoonful a comforting delight. It’s an ideal dish for special occasions or a date night, giving you restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so you can enjoy this creamy chicken soup throughout the week!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (with oil, if desired)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
6-7 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
1 parmesan rind (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces orecchiette pasta (or other small pasta)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Fresh spinach leaves (optional, for added freshness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, onion powder, salt, and pepper; cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes (including their oil if desired) and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Chicken Broth and Parmesan Rind: Pour in chicken broth and add the parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Slice them into 3-4 even pieces each.
Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.
Cook Pasta: In the same pot, add orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, being careful not to overcook.
Add Dairy and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Combine and Serve: Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in fresh spinach leaves if desired, cooking until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes.
Total Time: 1 hour.

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Grain Choices: Replace orecchiette pasta with other small pasta shapes, quinoa, or rice to suit dietary preferences.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level, or omit entirely for a milder taste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if necessary to restore the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can swap orecchiette pasta for other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or fusilli.

3. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.

4. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a mild heat due to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder version.

6. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through. Be sure to remove the bones before shredding.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh in place of chicken.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add veggies like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

9. Can I skip the Parmesan rind?

Yes, you can skip the Parmesan rind if you don’t have it. It adds a depth of flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it.

10. How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If you want a thicker consistency, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights and special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy dairy, and perfectly cooked pasta makes for a delicious and comforting meal. With its versatility, you can adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. Whether for a date night or a weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to win over hearts!