I remember the first time I made Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl on a Wednesday when the day had stretched too thin. The house smelled like warm tomatoes and garlic, the clock quieted, and my kids slid into chairs with noses reddened from the cold. That soft bubbling sound from the pot felt like a promise: dinner would be ready, comforting, and slow enough to bring everyone back to the table. I chopped, stirred, and let the kitchen do its gentle work while we traded small stories. By the time I ladled out the bowls, the room had softened and we all ate with quiet smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

This soup somehow balances comfort and confidence. It uses pantry-friendly staples and one or two special items that carry big flavor, so you get a soulful meal with minimal fuss. It is forgiving when life gets messy; if you swap an ingredient or start a little late, it will still turn out cozy and bright.

If weeknight life feels like a puzzle, this is the piece that fits. The pasta makes it filling, the cream adds silk, and the sun-dried tomatoes do the heavy lifting for flavor. You will find it gives you steady wins: fewer dishes, steady timing, and predictable applause from people who need a quick, loving meal. For a midweek reset, it lives happily alongside a simple green salad or a loaf of crusty bread. If you like, compare the cozy feel to other one-pot dinners like this slow cooker chicken idea that I lean on when I need even less hands-on time.

The Comfort and Ease Behind Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

There is a calm logic to how this soup comes together. Start by building a warm onion and garlic base, fold in concentrated tomato for depth, then add broth and cream to make a smooth canvas. Pasta cooks in the broth and soaks up that flavor. Finally, creamy cheeses and fresh spinach bring richness and brightness without fuss.

“When it smells this good halfway through, you know dinner’s already on your side.”

From there, you watch for obvious cues: onions turn translucent and smell sweet, tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant, and the soup will move from thin to silky as cheeses melt. These visual and smell cues are your best helpers. If you want more ideas for one-pot dinners that simplify a busy week, peek at this simple dinner bowl I use when I want a lighter feel.

What Goes Into Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple Ingredients That Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Work

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs)
1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
32 oz chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 tsp fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
2 tsp kosher salt
1 ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or more if you like heat)
8 oz uncooked medium shell pasta
3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
8 oz cream cheese, cubed (room temperature)
1 ½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (plus more for garnish)

Each line here matters. The sun-dried tomatoes and their oil bring a tangy, slightly sweet backbone, so do not skip them if you can help it. If you do not have rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken or shredded poached chicken works fine. Use what you have and keep the heart of the recipe: concentrated tomato, cream, pasta, and cheese. For another hearty, protein-forward meal I lean on when planning, this BBQ chicken bowl is a family favorite.

Step by Step Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Pour in chicken broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 12 minutes.
Add the pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Lower the heat to low, then stir in spinach, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often for 5 minutes until the cheeses melt and the chicken is warmed through.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a fresh green salad on the side.

Start with a medium flame and keep an eye on the pot. When you stir in the tomato paste, do so until its color deepens. That darkening tells you the raw tomato flavor has cooked off and become richer. Meanwhile, when pasta cooks in the soup, it releases starch and helps thicken the broth. Once the pasta is al dente, lower the heat before adding cheese so the cream cheeses melt without breaking. If the soup seems too thick after it rests, thin with a splash of broth or milk. By the time it’s done, you should have a glossy, slightly thickened, deeply flavored soup that clings to pasta.

Serving Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl at the Table

How We Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl at Home
The Best Way to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

We serve this family style from the pot to keep things warm and cozy. Place a bowl at each plate spot and let everyone add extra Parmesan and basil if they want. For busy weeknights, I set out crusty bread, softened butter, and a simple lemony green salad. If someone wants something tangier, a squeeze of lemon brightens the soup just before eating.

If you have picky eaters, keep toppings separate. Let each person add red pepper flakes or extra herbs. On slow afternoons, I let the soup sit a minute in the pot so the flavors settle and the pasta drinks a little broth. It is easy to stretch for unexpected guests; a side of quick garlic toast always helps.

Saving Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl for Tomorrow

Storage and Reheating Without Losing Flavor
Keeping Leftovers Just as Good

Cool the soup quickly by transferring it into shallow containers. In the fridge, keep it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers, leaving a little space at the top because liquids expand when frozen.

For reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stove over low to medium-low heat, stirring so the cream and cheese reintegrate. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems thick. Reheat until it reaches 165°F for food safety. Microwaving works for single bowls; heat in 30 second bursts, stirring between bursts so the heat spreads evenly.

Be honest: pasta will soften after sitting. If you know you will want leftovers with firmer pasta, cook the pasta separately and add it to bowls when serving. That extra step keeps texture lively when you reheat.

Notes From My Kitchen

What I’ve Learned After Making This a Few Times
Time Saving Tips That Actually Help

Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. It holds a lot of flavor and helps carry those tomatoes through the whole pot. If you use packed dry tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water first.
Cube the cream cheese ahead of time and let it come to room temperature. It melts more smoothly and the soup will be silkier. If you forget, stir in a little at a time and be patient.
Rotisserie chicken is my shortcut on hectic nights. It’s one less pan to wash and the browned edges add flavor.
If you want a lighter version, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the cream cheese to 4 ounces. The soup will be lighter but still comforting.
Clean as you go. I wipe the counters between steps and put used tools in the dishwasher. It cuts down cleanup and keeps dinner feeling calm.

If you want tips on planning several easy meals at once, this meal prep protein bowls guide saved me more than once on busy weeks.

Family Twists on Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Easy Ways to Change It Up
Variations That Still Work

Add gnocchi instead of shell pasta for pillowy bites. It cooks faster and makes the soup feel like a weekend treat.
Swap spinach for kale if you want a heartier green. Sauté the kale a bit before adding if you like it tender.
Make it spicy by adding a tablespoon of harissa or extra crushed red pepper. Start small and taste as you go.
For lower dairy, use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and skip the cream cheese. Add a touch more salt and Parmesan at the end for balance.
Turn it into a bake: place soup in an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and broil until golden for a bubbly finish.

A small swap I often use is to fold in a handful of frozen peas with the spinach. They thaw quickly and feel like a little green gift in each spoonful. If you want more creative swaps for comfort-food dinners, check this breakfast-for-dinner idea that plays with the same kind of simple, flexible cooking.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Questions I Get About This Recipe
Helpful Answers Before You Cook

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. In fact, the flavors settle beautifully overnight, which makes it even better the next day. Keep in mind the pasta absorbs more liquid, so you may want to add a touch of broth when reheating.

Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely. Small shells, ditalini, or even gnocchi all work. Adjust the cooking time because some pastas cook faster than others.

Is it safe to freeze with dairy?
Creamy soups freeze okay, but texture can change slightly. For best results, you can freeze before adding the cream cheese and fresh spinach, then add them when you reheat for a fresher texture.

How much heat should I add?
Start with the 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper and taste. If your family likes more heat, add a little more when serving so everyone can customize.

What if I want this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, leave out the chicken, and consider adding white beans or roasted squash for body.

A Final Bite

One Last Thought From My Kitchen
Until the Next Recipe

This soup is one of those meals I make when I want to feel like I served something made with care, but without fuss. It brings together short ingredient lists and honest flavors. It warms bowls and conversation. If you forget to plate prettily, that is fine. Real food lives in real moments, and the best meals are the ones that bring people back to the table.

Conclusion

If you want to compare other versions or see more step-by-step photos, this Marry Me Chicken Soup page is a helpful reference. For a cream-forward take with clear technique notes, I often read the Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe (So Creamy) | The Kitchn. If you enjoy recipes that are straightforward and family-friendly, this Marry Me Chicken Soup (Creamy 30-Minute Dinner!) offers another reliable approach. For a blog-style version with tips you can bookmark, see Marry Me Chicken Soup – Britney Breaks Bread. And if you want a gnocchi twist to try next, this Marry Me Chicken and Gnocchi Soup is a delicious variant to explore.