Name: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz dry ditalini pasta (or other small pasta); 3 tbsp sundried tomato oil (from the jar); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 8 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes; ¼ cup tomato paste; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp dry oregano; ½ tsp dry basil; 1 ¼ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); ¾ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 50 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting and utterly delicious soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe. With tender shredded chicken, velvety cream, vibrant sundried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked ditalini pasta all swimming in a fragrant, herb-infused broth, every spoonful will make you swoon. This soup isn’t just easy to make—it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you want a little extra love in your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two green cartons of chicken broth positioned on the left, with their bright green color standing out. A white bowl filled with shredded pale chicken sits on the right side of the broth. Below the chicken, another white bowl holds uncooked small tube-shaped golden pasta. Fresh vegetables including three orange carrots, stalks of celery with light green color, a whole garlic head, and a light brown onion are placed on the lower left. A small glass measuring cup filled with white milk is near the center. Nearby, a white bowl contains a pat of light yellow butter, and a curved triangular piece of light yellow cheese is on the lower right. There are also small white bowls with herbs and spices, and a jar with a red lid containing dark sun-dried tomatoes, as well as a small white bowl with bright red tomato paste. The ingredients are spread evenly in a clean and simple layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for success with this dish. The combination of vegetables, herbs, and creamy elements come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful soup that feels special without being complicated.

8 oz dry ditalini pasta: Small pasta shapes that hold the soup’s creamy broth perfectly.
3 tbsp sundried tomato oil (from the jar): Adds a sweet, tangy depth and richness from the infused oil.
1 medium yellow onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
3 medium carrots (chopped): For natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
3 celery stalks (chopped): Adds earthiness and texture.
8 garlic cloves (minced): The star flavor enhancer that brings warmth and aroma.
¼ cup tomato paste: Imparts a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that lifts the soup.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: For silky smoothness and depth.
⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes: Bite-sized bursts of tangy sweetness.
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The liquid gold that marries all flavors.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that brightens the soup.
1 tsp dry oregano: Adds a slightly peppery herbal note.
½ tsp dry basil: Gives that wonderful aromatic flavor.
1 ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
½ tsp black pepper: A gentle spice kick to balance the creaminess.
3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie works beautifully): Tender protein that soaks up the broth.
¾ cup heavy cream: The key to making this soup irresistibly creamy.
¾ cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Melts in for cheesy richness and umami depth.
Chopped fresh basil (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta will have perfect bite and won’t turn mushy when added later. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside, ready to be incorporated into the soup at the very end.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the sundried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until they are softened and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to let those garlicky aromas bloom without burning.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and butter, mixing until the butter melts and the vegetables are evenly coated. The tomato paste brings a luscious depth to the broth, while the butter lends a silky texture. Next, toss in the chopped sundried tomatoes and sauté together for 2 to 3 minutes to marry those intense, tangy flavors right into the veggies.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the veggies soften even more, creating a rich, fragrant foundation for your soup.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and cooked ditalini noodles. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup is heated through. This final step gives the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe its signature silky, creamy texture and irresistible flavor combo. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil for a vibrant finish if you like.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

A large white pot sitting on a black electric stove shows a thick soup with a creamy orange base. The soup has soft bits of white shredded chicken spread through it and darker brown specks scattered on top. The creamy orange liquid looks smooth and rich with small visible pieces, suggesting the presence of vegetables or seasonings inside, all inside the white pot with handles on each side on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil is a beautiful way to add a burst of freshness and color on top of the soup. You might also sprinkle a little extra parmesan for added cheesiness or a grind of fresh black pepper to perk up each bite. These thoughtful garnishes transform the soup into a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread that you can use for dipping into that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness and brings balance to your meal. If you want to keep things light, some roasted veggies on the side are an excellent option too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup in sourdough bread bowls that soak up every drop of the creamy goodness. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs for a beautiful, layered presentation with pasta, chicken, and broth visible. If you’re hosting, offering various garnishes in little bowls allows guests to customize their bowls, making mealtime interactive and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mingling with other foods. The texture might thicken in the fridge, but a little stir and reheat will bring it back to life.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some broth and soften after freezing, so you may prefer to cook extra pasta fresh if you intend to freeze large batches.

Reheating

To reheat, slowly warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency. To revive the creaminess and blend the flavors again, bring it to a gentle simmer but avoid boiling too vigorously to prevent curdling. Freshly grated parmesan added at reheating time can boost the flavor even more.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for this soup’s texture, small pasta shapes like orzo, small shells, or elbow macaroni work just as well and will soak up the flavors beautifully.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy element. The soup will still be creamy and delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I prepare this soup without sundried tomatoes?

Sundried tomatoes add a fantastic umami and slightly tangy flavor, but if you don’t have them, you can leave them out or substitute with roasted red peppers for a different, yet still lovely, flavor note.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when adding the seasonings. A dash of hot sauce on top also works well for spice lovers.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Any cooked chicken you have on hand will work perfectly, whether it’s poached, grilled, or even leftover from a previous meal. Shredding it fine helps it integrate seamlessly into the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special every single time you make it, yet it stays simple enough for weeknight dinners. Its rich, comforting flavors combined with the light tang of sundried tomatoes and creamy finish make it a true crowd-pleaser. I really hope you give it a try soon—once you do, it might just become your next go-to recipe that you can’t wait to share with friends and family.