Easy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Marry me chicken soup recipe is your answer to weeknights when you want something rich and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. This creamy, one-pot dish brings all the warmth of a slow-simmered meal in just 30 minutes.

As someone who’s always balancing wellness with real life, I’m constantly looking for meals that are simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. This soup checks every box. It’s loaded with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety broth kissed with parmesan and garlic. The best part? You can customize it with gnocchi or pasta depending on what you have on hand. This soup, with its simple ingredients and rich, creamy flavor, has quickly become my go-to comfort food for fall 2025.

The layers of flavor build quickly thanks to tricks like browning tomato paste and tossing in a parmesan rind while it simmers. A splash of lemon or vinegar at the end wakes everything up. It’s clean, hearty, and made to nourish both body and mood.

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a one-pot comfort meal with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and your choice of gnocchi or pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

This 30-minute one-pot meal was made for nights when you want something indulgent without the stress. It has all the creamy, dreamy flavor of the original viral dish but in soup form, with a broth that hugs you from the inside out.

You’ll love it because:

• It’s fast and forgiving. You can make it on autopilot after a long day.
• Everything happens in one pot. Fewer dishes, less cleanup.
• The flavor builds quickly from pantry staples like tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
• It’s endlessly adaptable. Use gnocchi or pasta, switch up the greens, or make it dairy-free if needed.

This is not just another soup. It’s the one you reach for when you’re tired, hungry, and craving comfort in a bowl. The kind of meal that tastes like you tried much harder than you did.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Soup?

Think of marry me chicken soup as a creamy twist on classic Tuscan chicken soup. It blends Italian-inspired flavors with cozy comfort in every spoonful. The name comes from the original “marry me chicken” dish, which earned its title because it’s so good it could inspire a proposal.

This soup takes the heart of that recipe and turns it into a one-pot meal you can enjoy anytime. The creamy broth gets a bold boost from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Baby spinach adds a pop of freshness while grated parmesan and a parmesan rind create a rich, savory base.

What makes it stand out is how quickly everything comes together. In just 30 minutes, you get layers of flavor that usually take hours. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience that feels warm, satisfying, and just a little bit romantic.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe

This soup comes together with simple ingredients that pack in a ton of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter (or use the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor)
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 4 and a half cups chicken stock, divided (use 1/2 cup to deglaze and 4 cups for the base)
  
• 1 parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended for extra depth)
  
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  
• 12 ounces gnocchi or 1 and a half cups small pasta (like ditalini)
  
• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  
• 2 cups baby spinach
  
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  
• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
  

Each ingredient has a role. The tomato paste brings a concentrated base. The sun-dried tomatoes brighten things up. The parmesan rind adds umami that feels like a hug. a technique I also love using in this creamy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

Want to learn more about the benefits of sun-dried tomatoes? Check out this [source].

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

This recipe is designed to be as easy as it is delicious. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a creamy, comforting bowl of soup ready in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Let the tomato paste darken just slightly to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Deglaze the pot
Pour in 1/2 cup of the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds big flavor and helps loosen everything.

Step 3: Build the broth
Add the remaining 4 cups of chicken stock, the parmesan rind if using, sugar, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 8 minutes. This gives the flavors time to come together.

Step 4: Add gnocchi or pasta
Stir in your choice of gnocchi or small pasta. Cook until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes for gnocchi or follow the package instructions for pasta. Remove and discard the parmesan rind once done.

Step 5: Make it creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and grated parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts into the broth and everything is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Finish with freshness
Stir in the spinach and vinegar or lemon juice. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful. It is the kind of soup that makes you slow down and breathe deeper.

The Secret to the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

The magic of this soup lies in a few small but powerful techniques that bring restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort.

1. Brown the tomato paste
Do not skip this step. Cooking the tomato paste for just a minute before adding liquid creates a deeper, richer flavor. It gives the broth a base that tastes like it simmered all day.

2. Use a parmesan rind while simmering
If you have one, drop a rind into the pot after deglazing. It melts slowly into the broth and adds incredible savory depth. Just remember to remove it before serving.

3. Finish with a splash of acid
Right at the end, a teaspoon of red wine vinegar or lemon juice balances out the creaminess. It lifts the whole dish and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Gnocchi vs. Pasta: Which One Should You Choose?

Both are delicious, but here is a quick guide to help you decide:

If you love a cozy, one-pot pasta dinner, this Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is another family favorite.

If you plan to store leftovers, pasta keeps its texture a little better. Gnocchi is perfect when you plan to serve and enjoy right away.

Need a Dairy-Free or Keto Option?

• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for olive oil and use full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Skip the parmesan or try a dairy-free alternative.
  
• Keto-Friendly: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and skip the gnocchi or pasta. Try adding zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice near the end instead.
  

These tweaks keep the soul of the soup intact while fitting your lifestyle.

Variations on Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you want to change up the starch, avoid dairy, or try a low-carb version, this soup has you covered.

Gnocchi or Pasta: Which One Works Best?

Both gnocchi and pasta create a hearty bowl, but they offer different textures and benefits.

Gnocchi creates a soft, pillowy feel that melts into the creamy broth. It cooks fast and gives the soup a luxurious, almost stew-like body. This is the best option when you want a cozy meal that feels extra indulgent.

Small pasta like ditalini or shells offers a bit more bite and holds its shape better in leftovers. If you plan to store and reheat, pasta is your friend.

Whichever you choose, the soup stays delicious and comforting.

Dairy-Free or Keto-Friendly Options

If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the butter for olive oil and use canned coconut cream in place of heavy cream. There are also some great dairy-free parmesan alternatives that melt well and add a similar nutty richness.

For a lower-carb version, skip the gnocchi or pasta and stir in cooked cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles at the very end. Keep the spinach and other flavors the same for a satisfying bowl that still hits all the right notes.

These variations let you enjoy the same creamy, comforting flavor in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Serving and Storing Your Marry Me Chicken Soup

This soup is best served hot and fresh, right after the spinach has wilted and the broth is silky and rich. Pair it with a slice of toasted sourdough or a light side salad like this refreshing Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad to make it a full meal without much effort.

How to Store Without Losing Texture

To keep leftovers tasting just as good the next day, a few small adjustments go a long way.

• Let the soup cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
• If you used pasta or gnocchi, consider storing it separately to prevent it from getting mushy. Simply spoon the broth and vegetables into one container and the starch into another.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the broth. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can You Freeze It?

You can freeze this soup, but it works best if you leave out the pasta or gnocchi before freezing. The dairy in the broth may also separate slightly after thawing. If that happens, just stir well while reheating and add a bit of fresh cream or broth to smooth it out.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Lena

A creamy one-pot chicken soup with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, spinach, and your choice of gnocchi or pasta. Perfect for a quick and cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter or sun-dried tomato oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 and a half cups chicken stock divided (1/2 cup for deglazing, 4 cups for the soup base)
• 1 parmesan rind optional
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 12 ounces gnocchi or 1 and a half cups small pasta ditalini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Italian seasoning salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
• Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup chicken stock, scraping up browned bits.
• Add the remaining 4 cups of chicken stock, parmesan rind (if using), sugar, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 8 minutes.
• Add gnocchi or pasta and cook until tender. Remove and discard the parmesan rind.
• Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream, shredded chicken, and grated parmesan until fully combined.
• Stir in baby spinach and vinegar or lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute until spinach wilts.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Notes

• Brown the tomato paste until slightly darker to unlock the best flavor.
• If storing leftovers, keep the gnocchi or pasta separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

Keyword 30-minute one-pot meal, gnocchi or pasta, marry me chicken soup, sun-dried tomatoes, Tuscan chicken soup

Conclusion

Comfort food does not have to be complicated. This Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe brings all the richness and flavor of a slow-cooked meal into your weeknight routine without stress or mess. It is warm, nourishing, and full of love in every bite.

When you find a recipe that feels both easy and special, it becomes part of your rhythm. This one has earned that spot in my kitchen, and I hope it does the same in yours.

Want more cozy meals that fit your real-life schedule? This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is another one-pot dinner our readers love.

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