If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is the perfect bowl of cozy goodness. With tender chicken, a creamy tomato broth, and a flavor combo that’s downright irresistible, this soup version of the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe is worthy of a marriage proposal. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a meal your whole family will adore.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Soup

2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or shred a rotisserie chicken)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
48 oz chicken broth (or chicken stock)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
optional: sun-dried tomatoes
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
10 oz bowtie pasta (or small pasta of your choice)
1 cup heavy cream
10 oz fresh spinach (or baby spinach)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil for topping

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Prepare the Chicken

Begin by heating a large pot or large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering. Gently place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts) into the pot. Season each side generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step locks in the moisture and adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot. As the butter melts, stir in the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Build the Base of the Soup

Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Use a wooden spoon to blend the tomato paste with the onions and garlic until well incorporated. The paste should darken slightly, which enhances its rich, sweet flavor. Slowly pour in 48 ounces of chicken broth or chicken stock. As you pour, scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, releasing all the delicious browned bits left behind from cooking the chicken. These bits add incredible depth to the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the broth. Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through while infusing the soup with flavor.

Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the soup.

marry me chicken soup simmering in a dutch oven

Add Creaminess

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces for easier melting, and add it to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and blended into the broth. This step transforms the soup into a creamy and rich base that coats every bite.

Cook the Pasta

Add 10 ounces of bowtie pasta (or any small pasta you prefer) to the pot. Stir to distribute the pasta evenly, then cover the pot. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Finish the Soup

Once the pasta is cooked, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 10 ounces of fresh spinach or baby spinach, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and blends seamlessly into the soup.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with extra parmesan cheese. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Soup

Make It Ahead: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on medium-low heat for the best results.
Freezer-Friendly: For longer storage, place the soup in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat for a quick dinner on a busy night.
Customizable Add-Ins: Toss in fresh herbs like basil, or substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Pairings and Variations

Side Ideas: Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even cheese tortellini for a twist.
For the Next Time: Try adding white beans, red peppers, or a splash of dry white wine for a Tuscan-inspired soup with even more depth.

Conclusion

Creamy marry me chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy tomato broth, and perfectly cooked pasta in a single, irresistible dish. This hearty soup is packed with incredible flavor, making it perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or when you just need a bowl of something truly satisfying. If you like this soup you will LOVE our Spinach, Sausage and Tortellini Soup!