I’m so excited to share this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day but comes together super fast. I love this soup because it blends rich, cheesy creaminess with bright hits of sun-dried tomato and fresh spinach—comfort food that doesn’t make you wait forever in the kitchen.
Whether you need a quick weeknight winner or something impressive yet easy for guests, you’ll find this recipe hits all the marks. When I first made it, my family went crazy for how flavorful and hearty it was, but how simple it was to prepare. Trust me, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Flavor-Packed: The sun-dried tomatoes and spicy notes bring complexity to the creamy base.
- Adaptable: Easily made dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps.
- Family Favorite: The first time I made it, everyone asked for seconds—and you’re going to love that too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe is all in the ingredients working together for rich flavor and quick assembly. I make sure to use good-quality chicken broth and fresh baby spinach for the best results.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for that subtle fruity note that starts the flavor base right.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—sauté until tender but not browned.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced for that sharp, aromatic punch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil: These are a game-changer; make sure to drain and roughly chop them.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the umami and gives the soup its lovely color.
- Chicken broth: Homemade or high-quality store-bought makes all the difference.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning, but essential to bring everything together.
- Italian seasoning: Herbs that complement the chicken and tomato perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- Gluten-free shell pasta: Or any pasta you like; the shells hold onto that creamy broth beautifully.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy flavor.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness and a nutritious pop of color.
- Half & half (or dairy-free Nutpods): For that luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Boursin cheese (or cream cheese alternatives): Melts into the soup to create that indulgent texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Divided, so some goes into the soup and some on top for garnish; omit or swap with nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe is so flexible, you can make it your own and still get that amazing comfort food vibe.
- Dairy-Free Version: I swap half & half with Nutpods and use Kite Hill cream cheese instead of Boursin—taste and texture still blow me away.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Skip the chicken, add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, I sometimes double the crushed red pepper or add a splash of hot sauce for extra zing.
- Pasta-Free: For lower carbs, just omit the pasta and add an extra handful of spinach or shredded cabbage to bulk it up.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté aromatics to build your flavor base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir constantly and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned. This step really wakes up the flavors and makes the soup taste homemade and soulful.
Step 2: Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste
Stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. This intensifies the tomato flavor and gives your broth that beautiful reddish hue. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns—it’s worth the extra attention here.
Step 3: Pour in broth and season
Pour in the chicken broth and add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring everything to a boil—this is when your kitchen will start smelling irresistible. Once boiling, toss in the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes depending on the pasta type. Remember, you want it a *little* firm so it doesn’t get mushy when you add the creamy components.
Step 4: Stir in chicken, greens, and creamy ingredients
Lower the heat to medium-low and add shredded chicken, chopped spinach, half & half, Boursin cheese, and a quarter cup of parmesan. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, the spinach wilts, and your broth is silky and creamy. This is the magic step that turns simple soup into a rich, comforting bowl you’ll crave.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes. You can’t beat the vibrant look and fresh flavor these garnishes add. Then dig in—enjoy every spoonful!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s the ultimate time-saver and adds incredible flavor without fuss.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Avoid mushiness by slightly undercooking the pasta; it will finish cooking in the creamy broth.
- Don’t Skip the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a tangy sweetness and depth that makes this soup stand out.
- Avoid Overheating Dairy: Keep heat moderate when adding cheese and half & half to prevent curdling and keep the soup silky.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my soup with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a little zing that brightens each spoonful. These are simple touches but totally elevate the eating experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty slice of garlic bread to soak up that delicious broth. Sometimes, I serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. It’s an easy combo that feels like a full meal without turning on the oven.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served this soup in elegant ramekins with individual parmesan crisp crackers on the side—everyone felt fancy but still comfy. You could even add a drizzle of basil oil or a dollop of pesto for a fresh twist that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers and keep the pasta separate when possible to prevent it from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy it again without losing that fresh texture.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works well if you leave out the pasta and dairy when you store it. I freeze it in portions for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight; when reheating, I stir in freshly cooked pasta and cheese for a just-made taste.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often so the dairy ingredients don’t curdle. If the soup thickens too much, a little extra broth or water helps bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the half & half for a dairy-free creamer like Nutpods, replace the Boursin with Kite Hill cream cheese, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. You’ll still get that creamy, rich texture without dairy.
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What pasta works best in this soup?
I love using gluten-free shell pasta because the shells cradle the creamy broth perfectly. However, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo works great too. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid it turning mushy later.
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Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it right before serving. This keeps the noodles from soaking up too much broth and ensures your soup stays fresh and delicious.
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How spicy is this soup?
It has a gentle kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s not overpoweringly spicy. You can adjust the amount based on your family’s preference or add more if you like things hotter.
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Can I use leftover chicken?
Definitely! Leftover shredded chicken works beautifully in this recipe and is a great way to reduce waste while adding protein and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents comfort without complexity—something I can whip up even on my busiest nights and still impress everyone at the table. I hope you give it a try and love how it fills your kitchen and your belly with warmth and happiness. If you want a quick, crowd-pleasing, creamy chicken soup that never disappoints, this is the one to bookmark.
PrintCreamy Marry Me Chicken Soup (30-Minute Recipe!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful 30-minute recipe packed with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a quick dinner, this gluten-free soup features a rich tomato broth and cheesy pasta, delivering a wholesome meal with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Sauce and Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Soup Main Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten free shell pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
Dairy and Cheese
- 3/4 cup half & half or Original Nutpods for dairy-free
- 1 package Boursin cheese (or substitute 4 oz cream cheese; Kite Hill cream cheese for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided (omit and replace with 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large dutch oven or pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prepare the base for the soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Combine broth and seasonings: Pour in 7 cups of chicken broth. Add 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add uncooked gluten-free shell pasta to the boiling soup. Cook over medium heat until pasta is al dente—still slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the broth.
- Add chicken, spinach, and dairy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in shredded cooked chicken, chopped baby spinach, half & half (or dairy-free alternative), Boursin cheese (or cheese substitute), and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese.
- Finish and serve: Stir the soup for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, the spinach is wilted, and the broth becomes creamy with the melted cheese. Serve topped with fresh parsley, additional crushed red pepper, and remaining parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving, flavorful option. Leftover shredded chicken works well too.
- To meal prep, cook pasta separately to prevent it from soaking up all the broth. Add pasta to each bowl before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half & half with Nutpods and Boursin cheese with Kite Hill cream cheese to maintain creamy texture.
- Freeze the soup without pasta and dairy. Add these ingredients when reheating for best freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; keep pasta separate for best texture.
- When reheating, do so gently on stovetop at low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling; add broth or water as needed to adjust consistency.