Marry Me Chicken Soup is a cozy, comforting bowl. It fits a busy woman’s life. It’s a wallet-friendly, 5-ingredient marvel that tastes like a hug. I am a chef who understands the juggle of work, family, and self-care. I designed this recipe to deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Picture tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream. All this happens in under 40 minutes. This article will walk you through ingredients, steps, substitutions, and tips. Ready to simplify dinner without sacrificing taste? Read on.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
what makes this Marry Me Chicken Soup special
Marry Me Chicken Soup feels like a warm friend at the door. I crafted it for busy days and tired evenings. The name promises comfort, and the bowl delivers. With five simple ingredients, it sparks big joy without heavy prep. I love how sun-dried tomatoes add sunshine and depth. This soup lets you feed a crowd or yourself, fast. It turns weeknights into moments of calm around the table. This soup evolves with your pantry, still tasting like a comforting restaurant plate. I love that leftovers reheat smoothly, while flavors deepen. It’s a kitchen friend you can trust to please picky eaters.
Why this Marry Me Chicken Soup stands out
Its star is the balance of rich cream and savory sun-dried tomatoes. I keep prep simple so you can start cooking in minutes. Plus, the 5-ingredient formula fits when you crave comfort without clutter.
The comforting promise of a quick five-ingredient meal
It feels like a hug in a bowl, ready in under 40 minutes. Five ingredients let you focus on family stories instead of measuring cups.
Ingredients Marry Me Chicken Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil — base for sautéing onions and garlic, adds depth.
- 1 medium onion, diced — provides sweetness and body to the soup.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced — bold aroma and savory punch.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped — adds tangy richness.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken — makes the soup hearty and quick.
- 4 cups chicken broth — the flavorful, nourishing liquid backbone.
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half — creates the silky, creamy texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — delivers cheese-y, savory depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning — herbal brightness to lift every bite.
- 1 tsp paprika — light smokiness for color and warmth.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat) — adjustable kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste — season to your preference.
- 2 cups baby spinach — wilts in and lightens the dish.
- Fresh basil for garnish — fresh aroma that says, “dinner’s here.”
Note: Exact quantities are listed above; optional substitutions and tips are included here for quick reference. For printing, you can copy the ingredient list with measurements from this section.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant
I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
I add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and tender.
The kitchen smells like a warm hug.
Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and bloom the flavors
Sun-dried tomatoes go in the pot, stirred to coat the aromatics.
They bloom with a tangy, rich sweetness after a minute or two.
This is where flavor starts to sparkle.
Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Add chicken, broth, spices, and bring to a gentle boil
I add shredded chicken, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
I bring the pot to a gentle boil so flavors mingle without a riot.
Tiny bubbles carry a big, cozy aroma.
Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Create the creamy Parmesan base and simmer
Reduce heat and whisk in heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Parmesan.
Stir until the cheese melts into a silky sauce.
Simmer 10–12 minutes, watching it thicken gently.
Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Finish with spinach and serve with basil
Add spinach and stir until it wilts, 1–2 minutes.
Taste and adjust salt if needed before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil and a warm smile.

Marry Me Chicken Soup — Step: Tips for smoother reheating and optional garnishes
For reheating, keep it gentle and add a splash of broth if needed.
Stir in extra Parmesan at the end for a cheesier finish.
Garnish ideas: basil, lemon zest, or an extra drizzle of oil.
Tips for Success
- Use leftover cooked chicken for extra speed and less prep.
- Taste and adjust salt after adding Parmesan, as cheese can be naturally salty.
- If the soup thickens, thin it with a splash of broth or water.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Stir in extra Parmesan at the end for a cheesier finish.
- Store leftovers properly in the fridge, then reheat gently for best flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven – heavy-bottom helps even heating.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – silicone works on nonstick.
- Knife and cutting board – sharp enough for onions and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons – quick, precise.
- Optional: immersion blender – for extra smoothness; otherwise whisk. Your kitchen is ready.
Variations
- I make it lighter by replacing heavy cream with light cream or milk, plus a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- I adapt dairy-free with coconut cream or almond milk plus a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- I switch proteins by using cooked shredded turkey or shrimp for a new twist.
- I adjust spice level by tweaking red pepper flakes or omitting for a milder soup.
- I double-check that all broths and seasonings are gluten-free; this Marry Me Chicken Soup stays gluten-free as written.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
Why you’ll love this Marry Me Chicken Soup is simple and comforting, especially on busy nights. I’ve chased weeknight energy, and this soup feels like a warm hug in a pot. Five ingredients, a simmer, and a creamy Parmesan finish make weeknights feel calmer. It fits many diets, freezes, and scales to a crowd. If you crave cozy flavor without fuss, this Marry Me Chicken Soup is my go-to remedy.
Serving Suggestions
- I serve Marry Me Chicken Soup with crusty garlic bread or a grilled cheese for dipping.
- I pair it with a green salad to balance richness and color.
- I garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan for rich aroma.
- A final squeeze of lemon brings brightness and balance to the bowl.

Make-It-Your-Own Marry Me Chicken Soup: Elevate Your Weeknight Routine
Marry Me Chicken Soup meal-prep friendly options
I know weeknights feel like a sprint. Here’s how I stretch Marry Me Chicken Soup into lasting meals. The trick is smart prep that honors flavor and time.
- Make-ahead base: Sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cool, then refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat, add chicken and broth, finish with cream and Parmesan for a fast revisit.
- Pre-cooked chicken: Shred extra chicken ahead of time. It cuts down cooking time and keeps your meal on track.
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot option: Combine chicken, broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Cook on low 6–8 hours (or high 3–4). Stir in cream and Parmesan at the end.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze the base (without cream and Parmesan). Thaw, then warm and whisk in cream and cheese for a silky finish.
- Pantry hacks: Keep rotisserie chicken, bottled sun-dried tomatoes, and good Parmesan on hand for a no-fuss version.
- Prep spinach and basil ahead: They wilt quickly, so chop basil and rinse spinach before dinner rush starts.
These options keep Marry Me Chicken Soup tasting homemade, even when your schedule is chaotic. It’s my secret weapon for weeknight calm.
Family-friendly serving ideas and quick plating tips
When I serve this soup to the family, I keep it approachable and comforting. A warm bowl invites conversation and a full belly.
- Dial down heat: omit or reduce red pepper flakes for kid approval.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a simple grilled cheese for dipping fun.
- Garnish boldly: basil, extra Parmesan, and a whisper of fresh lemon zest for brightness.
- Lighten the plate: add more spinach or a side salad to balance richness.
- Plate warm: pre-warm bowls to keep the soup silky from the first bite to the last.
With these tweaks, Marry Me Chicken Soup becomes a versatile staple—simple, cozy, and always crowd-pleasing. It fits your weeknight rhythm and still tastes like a treat.
FAQs
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes. You can freeze leftovers or the base of Marry Me Chicken Soup. For best texture, freeze without the cream and Parmesan, then whisk them in after reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove and stir in cream and cheese.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great. Simmer them in the broth until cooked through, then shred and add to the soup. You may want to use about 1.5 to 2 pounds (680–900 g) to keep the recipe hearty. If you already have shredded chicken, you can skip this step.
Is this Marry Me Chicken Soup gluten-free?
Yes. As written, the soup is naturally gluten-free, assuming you use a gluten-free broth and check that any seasonings are GF. Parmesan cheese is typically gluten-free, but always read labels if sensitivity is high. If in doubt, use a certified GF broth and cheese.
How can I adjust the spice level for kids?
Omit or reduce red pepper flakes. You can also use a milder paprika and skip the optional heat. A splash of cream can mellow any lingering bite, and a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor without adding heat. Taste as you go and aim for gentle warmth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. For a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except cream and Parmesan, cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours, then stir in cream and Parmesan at the end. For an Instant Pot, sauté onion and garlic, add remaining ingredients, pressure cook on high for 5–7 minutes, then finish with cream and cheese.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Soup brings the family back to the table with warmth and ease.
I love how five simple ingredients can spark big conversations.
This recipe respects your schedule while delivering restaurant-worthy flavor.
Leftovers become lunch heroes or next-night starters, no fuss.
I can tweak heat, dairy, or protein to suit anyone.
Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan give depth that perks up busy days.
I hope you taste the comfort and feel calmer after a hectic day.
Let this creamy hug become your family’s new favorite dinner.
Grab a spoon, breathe easy, and share the moment with gratitude.
Marry Me Chicken Soup: Best 5-Ingredient Comfort for You.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Soup: Creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, this 5-ingredient soup captures the beloved Marry Me Chicken flavors in a cozy bowl. Tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky parmesan-cream sauce come together for a hearty, heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until creamy.
- Add spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve warm topped with fresh basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Leftover cooked chicken works great here.
- Adjust heat by varying red pepper flakes.
- Stir in extra Parmesan at the end for a cheesier finish.
- Can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, 5-ingredient soup, sun-dried tomato soup, comforting soup, easy soup, family dinner, Marry Me style chicken