This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Veggie and Chicken packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta Soup is a creamy rich comforting delight, its the type of pasta dish that inspires proposals!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Proposal Worthy Chicken Soup
My “Marry Me Chicken Soup” is cozy and decedent like a warm hug with a side of sophistication. This soup is my go-to on warm winter evenings when we all need some warm inspiration. I usually pair this soup with my garlic herb focaccia and parmesan salad for a hearty yet elegant meal.
This marry me chicken soup is packed with Italian herbs and spices, the trick is to use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to sauté your vegetables, the tomato infused oil really gives this stew a punch. If you want to make this soup spicier you can add hot sauce or add an extra dash of red pepper flake. You can also add a splash of dry white wine right as the onions are done sautéing and let it simmer for a minute or two to cook the alcohol off. Dry white wine goes perfectly with chicken and adds extra depth and romance to this soup!
How to Make Marry Me Pasta
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup) – These tangy, chewy tomatoes add a burst of rich, concentrated flavor to the soup.
- Oil from sun-dried tomato jar (1 tablespoon) – Infused with tomato essence, this oil enhances the soup’s depth and aroma.
- Yellow onion (1 ½ cups) – Sautéed yellow onion provides a sweet, savory base for the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic (4) – Minced garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch to the broth.
- Tomato paste (3 tablespoons) – Tomato paste intensifies the soup’s tomato flavor with a robust, umami-rich base.
- Chicken broth (32-ounce) – This savory, flavorful liquid forms the foundation of the soup.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup) – Heavy cream lends a rich, velvety texture that makes the soup irresistibly creamy.
- Fresh Basil (4 teaspoons) – Chopped fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous touch to the soup.
- Sea salt (2 teaspoons) – Sea salt enhances and balances the flavors of the soup.
- Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons) – This blend of herbs brings a classic Italian flavor profile to the dish.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Garlic powder boosts the savory, garlicky notes in the soup.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon) – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to balance the creamy richness.
- Shell pasta (8 ounces) – Shell pasta soaks up the flavorful broth while adding heartiness to the soup.
- Fresh baby spinach (3 cups) – Baby spinach provides a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, wilting perfectly into the hot soup.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups) – Tender, shredded rotisserie chicken makes the soup hearty and protein-packed.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces) – Cream cheese melts into the broth, adding a tangy creaminess that elevates the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (1 ½ ounces) – Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.
Use this Method
Cook Onion and Garlic. Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium until shimmering. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
Add Tomato. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook, stirring constantly, until tomato paste is slightly deeper red in color, about 2 minutes.
Add Seasonings. Stir in broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil over medium, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes.
Add Pasta. Add pasta and reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
Finish Off. Reduce heat to low, and add spinach, chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan; cook, stirring often, until cream cheese and Parmesan are melted and chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Enjoy. Garnish with additional Parmesan, basil, and red pepper. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor and softer texture.
Sauté the Aromatics First. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant to build a flavorful base for the soup.
Deglaze with Broth. After cooking the tomato paste, deglaze the pan with chicken broth to capture all the caramelized bits.
Add Cream Slowly. To prevent curdling, add the heavy cream gradually and stir continuously.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta. Cook shell pasta al dente in the soup to prevent it from becoming too soft as it absorbs the broth.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience. Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a well-seasoned protein element.
Soften Cream Cheese Beforehand. Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier incorporation into the soup.
Balance the Heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level for a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Add Spinach at the End. Stir in fresh spinach just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Boost Umami with Parmesan. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the soup’s savory depth.
Season Gradually. Taste as you go, adjusting salt and Italian seasoning to your liking for a perfectly balanced flavor.
Let the Soup Rest. Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors together.
FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts or thighs; simply cook and shred them before adding to the soup.
Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and use a plant-based cream cheese.
Absolutely! Sauté the onions, garlic, and tomato paste first, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Add the heavy cream slowly and at a low simmer, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture.
Yes, any small pasta shape like ditalini, macaroni, or orecchiette works well.
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and avoid bringing it to a boil.
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Yes, but you may need to adjust the seasoning by adding more sea salt to taste.
Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions to the soup.
You can mix a slurry of cornstarch and water or add more cream cheese to thicken the soup.
What to Enjoy with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Stew
Buttery Biscuits. Soft, flaky biscuits pair beautifully with the creamy broth.
Stuffed Mushrooms. A savory appetizer that complements the soup’s Italian-inspired flavors.
Mixed Green Salad. Tossed with a simple vinaigrette for a light, healthy side.
Antipasto Platter. A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting, hearty accompaniment.
Rice Pilaf. A lightly seasoned rice dish adds texture and soaks up the soup’s flavors.
Focaccia Bread. This herby, olive oil-infused bread pairs perfectly with the soup’s creamy base.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus. A salty, savory side that complements the rich soup.
Garlic Breadsticks. Add a buttery, garlicky crunch to complement the soup’s flavors.
Caesar Salad. A crisp, tangy salad balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables. Try roasted zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty side.
Try these options:
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Soup
Ingredients
- ½ cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs, drained
- 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed roughly chopped
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large Dutch oven over medium until shimmering. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook, stirring constantly, until tomato paste is slightly deeper red in color, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil over medium, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes.
- Add pasta and reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, and add spinach, chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan; cook, stirring often, until cream cheese and Parmesan are melted and chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan, basil, and red pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
