This creamy, soul-warming Marry Me Chicken Soup features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, cheesy broth that’s guaranteed to win hearts and spark romance at your dinner table.
Inspired by the viral skillet dish that famously led to proposals, this soup version captures all that magic in a single, comforting bowl. Every spoonful is loaded with savory shredded chicken, plump cheese tortellini, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, all swimming in a velvety, rich broth that’s impossible to resist. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for a cozy weeknight, yet sophisticated enough to impress on any special occasion.
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Key Takeaways
- Secret ingredient mastery: Dijon mustard and honey work as invisible flavor enhancers, balancing acidity and amplifying the natural umami in sun-dried tomatoes.
- This recipe transforms the viral skillet dish into the ultimate comfort soup perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
- The blended sun-dried tomato technique creates an incredibly rich, restaurant-quality broth base.
- One-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup while maximizing flavor development.
- Perfect with Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for the ultimate comfort food spread.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Rich, restaurant-quality flavor that develops through proper layering of aromatics and deglazing techniques.
- Incredibly creamy texture without being heavy, thanks to the perfect balance of cream and Parmesan.
- Tender, juicy chicken that stays moist through gentle simmering in the flavorful broth.
- Satisfying and hearty with cheese-filled tortellini that makes every spoonful perfect.
- One-pot convenience that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep and future comfort food cravings.
- Naturally impressive – guests will think you spent hours on this sophisticated soup.
Food & Cultural Background (Deep Dive)
The “Marry Me” phenomenon began with Lindsay Funston’s viral 2016 Delish recipe for Marry Me Chicken, which earned its romantic name after readers claimed the dish literally led to marriage proposals. This creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded skillet chicken became a social media sensation, inspiring countless variations including this soul-warming soup adaptation.
The flavor profile draws heavily from Tuscan cuisine, featuring the classic Italian combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. However, unlike traditional Italian soups, this dish embraces American comfort food sensibilities with its rich, cream-based broth and hearty tortellini. The technique of blending sun-dried tomatoes directly into the broth creates an incredibly complex flavor base that elevates this beyond typical chicken soups.
Food bloggers and home cooks have embraced this recipe as the ultimate comfort food, with many reporting that it’s become their most-requested dish for special occasions. The soup captures the essence of the original “marry me” magic while delivering the cozy satisfaction that only a perfectly crafted soup can provide. Try pairing it with my Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal experience.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Soup (Mastery Guide)
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1¼ lbs | Pat completely dry before seasoning; creates golden crust for flavor |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed) | 8 oz jar | Reserve 2 tbsp oil for searing; pat tomatoes very dry before blending |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Add off heat to prevent curdling; creates silky texture |
| Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) | ½ cup | Grate from wedge for best melting and flavor |
| Cheese-filled tortellini | 10 oz refrigerated | RANA brand recommended; cook separately if making ahead |
| Chicken broth | 5 cups | Low-sodium preferred for salt control |
| Baby spinach | 3 cups packed | Wilts quickly; add in final minute |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | Cook slowly to develop sweetness |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Fresh garlic essential for optimal flavor |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Creates rich base for vegetables |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Concentrates tomato flavor; cook out raw taste |
| Italian seasoning | 1½ teaspoons | Blend of herbs complements Tuscan flavors |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Secret ingredient – balances richness |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon | Secret ingredient – enhances umami |
| Chicken bouillon cube | 1 | Intensifies chicken flavor in broth |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season in layers throughout cooking |
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (6-quart minimum)
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula for deglazing
- Ladle for serving
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup Step-by-Step
- Prep and sear the chicken: Pat chicken completely dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tbsp of reserved sun-dried tomato oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden (doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and let rest 10 minutes, then dice.
- Build the flavor base: Reduce heat to medium and add butter and diced onions to the same pot. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the tomato base: Drain sun-dried tomatoes and pat completely dry. Add to pot along with tomato paste, remaining Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and honey. Cook 5 minutes, stirring continuously – this crucial step develops deep flavor and removes raw tomato paste taste.
- Blend for silky texture: Add chicken broth and bouillon cube. Using an immersion blender, blend mixture until completely smooth (or transfer to regular blender in batches). This technique creates the signature creamy base without using flour or cream cheese.
- Simmer and develop flavor: Bring to a boil, then reduce to gentle simmer. Add diced chicken back to pot and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with luxury ingredients: Remove from heat and let cool 1 minute. Gradually stir in heavy cream, then Parmesan cheese until melted. Add tortellini and simmer until just tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Final touches: Add spinach in final minute and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and my Homemade Onion Rings for the perfect indulgent meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Results (Gap Closure)
- Master the sun-dried tomato technique: The key to restaurant-quality depth lies in properly preparing your sun-dried tomatoes. Always drain oil-packed tomatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Wet tomatoes will make your soup greasy and prevent proper blending. When you blend them into the broth, you’re creating a concentrated flavor base that infuses every spoonful.
- Temperature control prevents cream disasters: Never add cream to boiling soup – it will curdle instantly. Always remove from heat, let cool for a full minute, then gradually stir in cream. If your soup does curdle, don’t panic! Use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
- The Dijon-honey secret: These invisible flavor enhancers work through food science – Dijon’s acidity cuts through the richness while its mustard compounds enhance the umami in tomatoes. Honey doesn’t make the soup sweet; instead, it amplifies savory flavors by triggering taste receptors that make everything taste more intense.
- Pasta perfection strategy: Cook tortellini separately if you plan on having leftovers. Pasta continues absorbing liquid in storage, turning your soup into pasta salad. For fresh servings, cooking directly in the soup adds starch that naturally thickens the broth.
Troubleshooting Guide: Why Your Marry Me Soup Fails
- Bland flavor syndrome: If your soup tastes flat, you likely rushed the base-building steps. The onions need time to caramelize (8–10 minutes), and the tomato paste mixture must cook a full 5 minutes to develop depth. Don’t skip these crucial flavor-building moments.
- Watery consistency issues: This happens when you don’t blend the sun-dried tomatoes thoroughly or add too much broth. The blended tomatoes should create a slightly thick, orange-tinted base. If your soup is too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, or whisk in extra Parmesan.
- Cream curdling prevention: Temperature shock causes curdling. Always remove from heat, wait, then add cream gradually while stirring. Using heavy cream (not half-and-half) also prevents separation due to higher fat content.
Marry Me Soup vs. Tuscan Chicken Soup vs. Italian Wedding Soup Comparison
| Aspect | Marry Me Soup | Tuscan Chicken Soup | Italian Wedding Soup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Creamy, blended sun-dried tomato | Broth-based with tomatoes | Clear chicken broth |
| Protein | Seared then simmered chicken | Chicken pieces | Meatballs + chicken |
| Vegetables | Spinach, onions, garlic | White beans, kale, carrots | Spinach, carrots, celery |
| Pasta/Starch | Cheese tortellini | Cannellini beans | Small pasta (ditalini) |
| Signature Flavor | Rich, romantic, cream-based | Rustic, herbaceous | Light, traditional Italian |
| Origin | American viral recipe (2016) | Italian-American adaptation | Traditional Italian (minestra maritata) |
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Soup
- Crusty artisan bread: The perfect vehicle for sopping up every drop of that incredible creamy broth. Choose a rustic sourdough or Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft interior.
- Simple arugula salad: Cut through the richness with peppery arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity balances the soup’s decadent creaminess.
- Garlic breadsticks: Homemade or store-bought, these add textural contrast and extra carbs to make the meal more substantial. Try them with my Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a complete comfort food feast.
- Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts or asparagus roasted with balsamic glaze provide nutritional balance and cleanse the palate between rich spoonfuls.
- Light white drinks: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the soup’s creamy richness without overpowering the delicate flavors. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon.
- Perfect pairings from my kitchen: This soup pairs beautifully with my Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cake for dessert – the sweet finish perfectly caps off this romantic meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Note that tortellini will continue absorbing broth, making the soup thicker. Add extra broth when reheating to restore consistency.
- Freezing strategy: Freeze for up to 3 months, but cook tortellini separately and add fresh when serving. Cream-based soups can separate when frozen, so stir well when reheating.
- Reheating method: Warm gently on stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of broth or cream if needed. Avoid boiling as it can make chicken tough and cream curdle.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional information per serving (serves 6):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Soup
What are the ingredients for Marry Me Chicken soup?
The essential ingredients include chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, tortellini, spinach, chicken broth, onions, garlic, and secret flavor enhancers like Dijon mustard and honey.
What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken features seared chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan. The soup version adds broth and tortellini for ultimate comfort.
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
The secret ingredients are Dijon mustard and honey – they’re invisible flavor enhancers that balance acidity and amplify umami without being detectable in the final dish.
Why is it called “marry me soup”?
It’s named after the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe by Delish’s Lindsay Funston, which supposedly inspired marriage proposals. The rich, romantic flavors earned this legendary reputation.
What is a good side dish for marry me chicken?
Crusty artisan bread, simple arugula salad, garlic breadsticks, or roasted vegetables work perfectly. The goal is balancing richness with fresh, acidic elements.
Are Tuscan chicken and Marry Me chicken the same?
They’re similar but different – Tuscan chicken is traditionally broth-based with white beans, while Marry Me chicken features a cream base with specific ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and tortellini.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Soup truly lives up to its romantic reputation – it’s the kind of recipe that creates lasting memories around your dinner table. The combination of perfectly seared chicken, that incredible blended sun-dried tomato broth, and pillowy tortellini creates pure comfort food magic. Every time I make this soup, I’m reminded why it earned its legendary status.
Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this soup delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread and perhaps my Salted Caramel Cake for dessert – because if you’re going to go all out with romance, might as well make it unforgettable!
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Marry Me Chicken Soup: The Best One-Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Get the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe! This easy one-pot dish features tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and tortellini in a rich, cheesy broth that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s the viral dish turned into the perfect comfort soup.
Ingredients
1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
10 oz refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups packed baby spinach
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 chicken bouillon cube
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep and Sear Chicken: Pat chicken completely dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pot, let rest for 10 minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks.
Build Flavor Base: Reduce heat to medium, add butter and diced onions to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Create Tomato Base: Add drained sun-dried tomatoes (reserving a few for garnish if desired), tomato paste, remaining Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and honey. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen the flavors.
Blend and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cube. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until completely smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the refrigerated tortellini and fresh spinach. Return to low heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the spinach has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Notes
For Extra Creaminess: For an even richer broth, you can add 2 oz of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Make-Ahead Tip: If making ahead, cook and store the tortellini separately. Add it to the soup when reheating to prevent it from getting mushy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Patting the tomatoes dry before blending is key to a non-greasy broth. You can reserve a few whole or halved tomatoes to stir in at the end for extra texture and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: marry me chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, tortellini soup, one pot soup, viral recipe, sun-dried tomato soup