If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm embrace, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl. This soul-soothing dish combines tender chicken, velvety cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and a savory medley of Italian-inspired flavors in every spoonful. Picture yourself curled up on the couch, bowl in hand, savoring every creamy, herby bite — I promise, this soup is pure joy and warmth, all in one unforgettable meal.

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple, accessible ingredients that build layers of flavor, heartiness, and irresistible color. From silky cream cheese to sun-dried tomatoes, each element plays a starring role in making Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl truly special.

Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, julienne-cut, packed in oil with herbs): These bring a wonderful tangy sweetness and depth to the broth.

Oil from sun-dried tomato jar (1 tbsp): This infused oil amplifies the tomato flavor and adds a subtle herbiness for sautéing.
Yellow onion (1½ cups, chopped): Essential for a savory, aromatic foundation that sweetens as it cooks.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Elevates the soup with its classic, punchy aroma and comforting taste.
Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Gives the broth richness, a hint of sweetness, and a gorgeous color boost.

Chicken broth (32 oz or 2 packages): This is our base, so choose a good-quality broth for the best flavor.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, dreamy texture that makes this soup extra satisfying.
Fresh basil (4 tsp, plus more for garnish): Lively and bright, basil lifts the richness of the other ingredients.

Kosher salt (2 tsp): Balances all the flavors and brings out the soup’s depth.
Dried Italian seasoning (1½ tsp): Delivers savory, herbal notes that tie together the Italian-inspired flavors.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds another layer of gentle garlic warmth.

Crushed red pepper (¼ tsp, or more): A pinch of heat for those who like things a little spicy — totally adjustable!
Medium shell pasta (8 oz, uncooked): The perfect shape for catching creamy broth in every bite.
Fresh baby spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh bite just before serving.

Shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups): Quick, flavorful protein that makes this soup incredibly satisfying.
Cream cheese (8 oz, cubed, room temperature): Melts into the broth for the silkiest, creamiest finish.
Parmesan cheese (1½ oz, finely shredded, plus more for garnish): Brings sharpness and umami; sprinkle extra on top for even more flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming 1 tablespoon of that glorious sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with the heavenly scent of sweet onions and garlicky goodness. This is the base that will infuse the entire soup with flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Build the Base

Now, stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes. Keep stirring for around 2 minutes, letting that tomato paste caramelize and the flavors meld. This simple step deepens both the color and taste of your soup, creating a mouthwatering backbone for what’s to come in Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the fresh basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch (or more) of crushed red pepper. Bring everything gently to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Let it all bubble together for about 12 glorious minutes—this is where scents start wafting through your home, tempting everyone to the kitchen.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Next up: pasta time! Stir in those medium shell noodles, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let them cook for 12 minutes. Stir every now and then to make sure the shells don’t stick together or to the bottom. By the end, the pasta will be perfectly al dente, soaking up all that delicious, creamy broth.

Step 5: Make It Creamy & Delicious

Lower the heat to low and add the chopped spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, room temperature cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir often over 5 minutes as the cheeses melt into silky ribbons and the chicken becomes beautifully tender and warmed through. The soup transforms before your eyes, taking on its signature creaminess and gentle thickness.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the hot Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl into generous bowls. Finish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little flair. Serve it straight away with slices of crusty bread or a leafy green salad — and don’t be surprised if your kitchen turns into everyone’s favorite destination!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl

Garnishes

A handful of garnishes take this already stunning soup to the next level. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan for a salty kick and shred some fresh basil for a fragrant, herby finish. If you want a pop of color and a slight touch of heat, toss on a few crushed red pepper flakes. Each garnish not only adds flavor but makes your Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl look gorgeously inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it’s even better with a trusty sidekick. I love serving it with slices of warm, crusty bread for dunking, or a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic knots or even a quick focaccia work beautifully as well — there’s just something magical about sopping up all that creamy broth!

Creative Ways to Present

When you’re sharing Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl with guests (or just want to treat yourself), presentation counts! Serve it in wide shallow bowls for ultimate comfort, or use a rustic soup crock topped with extra cheese and basil. For a party or special dinner, fill smaller cups for mini starters alongside a crostini, making each serving a true little “hug.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get richer overnight, so sneaking a bowl for lunch the next day is highly recommended!

Freezing

While the pasta and cream make this soup a bit tricky to freeze perfectly, it’s totally doable with a couple of tricks. For best results, freeze before adding the pasta and spinach, then stir them in fresh after reheating. Use freezer-safe containers, and enjoy within 2 months for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring until hot and creamy again. If it thickens up a bit in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back to that dreamy, original consistency. Individual bowls can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Shells are lovely because they catch plenty of broth, but any small pasta (rotini, ditalini, penne) will work just as well. Just keep an eye on cooking times, since they can vary a little.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk to cut some richness. You could also reduce the cream cheese slightly and bulk up with extra spinach or veggies for a more veggie-forward twist.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl vegetarian?

You sure can. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, use a plant-based chicken alternative (or extra beans), and choose your favorite vegan cream cheese and Parmesan. It’ll still deliver all the comfort you crave.

What can I use if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

Shredded cooked chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. You can bake, roast, or even poach some chicken ahead of time, then shred it for the recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl spicier?

Add extra crushed red pepper as you cook, stir in a spoonful of hot sauce, or even amp things up with diced jalapeños for a serious kick. Spice is totally customizable!

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl is more than just a meal — it’s a bowl of pure contentment, ready to warm your heart and delight your taste buds. It’s so easy to make and even easier to share, whether you’re feeding family, friends, or treating yourself to a bit of kitchen magic. Go ahead and try it — I have a feeling this soup will become a new favorite in your home.