Creamy Chicken Tomato Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup transforms the beloved viral recipe into a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender pieces of chicken swim in a savory broth enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. This hearty soup offers the same bold, irresistible flavors as the original dish but in an easy-to-savor bowlful.

When I first made this during a chilly evening, it quickly became a family favorite. Now it’s a go-to comfort dish that brings everyone around the table.

Ingredients

• Three large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cut into chunks for tender, juicy bites
• One cup carrot matchsticks: for sweetness and texture fresh and firm carrots are best
• One medium onion: finely chopped to build a flavorful aromatic base
• Three large garlic cloves: minced for that signature warmth and depth
• Three tablespoons tomato paste: which adds rich umami and thickens the broth
• One-third cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: drained and sliced to provide tangy intensity
• Ten cups low-sodium chicken broth: for a clean, savory foundation
• Two teaspoons Italian seasoning: for a fragrant herb blend fresh if possible
• Half teaspoon salt: balanced carefully reserved Parmesan has salt too
• Half teaspoon ground black pepper: for subtle heat and depth
• One-eighth teaspoon red pepper flakes: for just a hint of warmth
• One cup ditalini pasta: which holds its shape well in soup substitute with small pasta if needed
• One-third cup heavy cream or half and half: to add luscious creaminess
• Half cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for rich, nutty flavor and smooth melting
• Two handfuls baby spinach: added at the end for vibrant color and nutrition
• One tablespoon oil: to sauté the aromatics and chicken without sticking
• Two tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or basil: as a bright, fresh garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to evenly coat the bottom. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic and cook for three minutes until softened and fragrant.

Brown the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about three minutes, browning lightly on all sides to seal in juices.

Build the Flavor Base:

Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, coating the chicken and vegetables thoroughly to deepen the savory notes.

Add Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer to Meld Flavors:

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for ten minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the pasta, cover again, and simmer for another ten minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Greens:

Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts smoothly into the soup.

Let It Rest:

Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let the soup rest for five minutes to deepen the flavor and thicken slightly.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and ladle into bowls while hot.

Save Pin

My favorite ingredient is sun-dried tomatoes. They deliver a bright, savory note that balances the creamy broth and have become a family favorite element. One memorable night, serving this soup warmed up a gathering of friends on a cold day, and everyone asked for the recipe instantly.

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to five days. If freezing, omit pasta and spinach to maintain texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months and thaw overnight before reheating. Gently reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. For the microwave, heat in intervals with stirring to warm evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-free pasta or cooked rice works well instead of ditalini for gluten sensitivity. You can swap heavy cream with half and half or coconut cream for dairy-free options but avoid low-fat cream to prevent curdling. If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted cherry tomatoes or fire-roasted red peppers though the flavor will be subtly different. Fresh basil or thyme can substitute the Italian seasoning in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty Italian bread or warm garlic knots to mop up the creamy broth. A crisp Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. For special occasions, serve the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls. For an indulgent twist, top with crispy pancetta or bacon. Balance the richness with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Parmesan Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Marry Me Chicken originated as a viral recipe for a creamy, tangy chicken dish that became an internet sensation due to its bold flavor and ease of preparation. This soup adapts that beloved profile into a rustic, spoonable form that delivers all the charm and depth of the original but with a comforting, homestyle vibe. Its roots lie in classic Italian-inspired home cooking that emphasizes fresh herbs, quality cheese, and balanced seasoning.

Pro Tips

Use fresh Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Add the cream only after reducing heat to avoid curdling. Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking in the soup to keep it from sticking and cooking unevenly.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What pasta works best in this soup?

Ditalini or other small shapes hold their form well in the broth without becoming mushy, making them ideal choices.

→ How can I avoid curdling the cream?

Lower the heat before stirring in room-temperature cream slowly to help it blend smoothly without separating.

→ Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the base and refrigerate without pasta, cream, and spinach. Add those just before reheating for best texture.

→ What gives this soup its signature tang?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy, umami-rich burst that balances the creamy broth perfectly.

→ How do I keep chicken tender in this dish?

Simmer gently and avoid overcooking to maintain juicy, tender pieces that integrate well with the rich broth.

→ Can I customize the herbs?

Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano all complement the soup’s flavor, added just before serving for vibrant notes.