Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper; 3⁄4 cup heavy cream; 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 9 ounces cheese tortellini; 2 cups baby spinach; Extra Parmesan for serving (optional)

If you thought the original “Marry Me Chicken” could win hearts, wait until you serve it in soup form. This Marry Me Chicken Soup is everything you love about the creamy, sun-dried tomato and garlic-kissed dish, transformed into a cozy, slurp-worthy bowl of comfort. Tender shredded chicken mingles with cheesy tortellini, vibrant spinach, and crispy bacon in a velvety broth that’s rich without being too heavy.

Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you simply want to impress someone with a pot of homemade love, this soup is the definition of craveable. It brings the savory, tangy, creamy flavor profile of the viral skillet dish into a soul-warming, one-pot meal you’ll make over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Soup

Rich and comforting: The creamy base with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan is like a warm hug.
One-pot magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by picky eaters and foodies alike.
Customizable: Swap the tortellini for gnocchi or add extra veggies.
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and stash for cozy future dinners.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Marry Me Chicken Soup is easier than it looks, and having the right tools ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.

Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot evenly distributes heat, perfect for building flavor and simmering the broth.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring in sun-dried tomato paste and scraping flavorful bits from the pot.
Tongs: Handy for removing chicken breasts after poaching.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping aromatics, bacon, and chicken.
Immersion Blender (Optional): For those who like a slightly creamier texture, blending part of the soup creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambles. With a few good tools and a little love, you’ll have a pot of magic simmering in no time.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Chicken Soup

Every ingredient in this soup plays a flavorful role in building richness, depth, and that signature creamy flair.

Chicken Breasts: These provide lean protein and shred easily once poached.
Bacon: Adds smoky, savory crunch and depth to the base.
Garlic: A must-have for aromatic warmth and flavor foundation.
Onion: Sweet and savory, it builds the base of the broth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The heart of “Marry Me” flavor; they bring a tangy, rich umami.
Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base and carries the rest of the ingredients.
Heavy Cream: Adds the signature creamy texture without overpowering.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the creamy broth.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its familiar savory aroma.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle, warming heat.
Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color at the end.
Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance all the other flavors.

How To Make the Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sear the Bacon

Cook chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the bacon fat, cook the diced onion until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken

Pour in chicken broth and nestle in the raw chicken breasts. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until chicken is fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken

Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, then return it to the pot. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini and cook until they float and are tender (usually 3-5 minutes).

Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Bacon

Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh spinach and reserved bacon until wilted and well combined.

How to Serve and Store Marry Me Chicken Soup

Serve this soup hot and fresh with a warm slice of crusty bread or a garlic knot on the side to soak up every drop of that creamy, savory broth. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

For leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re freezing it, consider leaving out the tortellini and spinach until reheating, as they can become mushy. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. It’ll change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Just skip the poaching step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken during the creamy broth stage to warm through.

What pasta can I substitute for tortellini?

Gnocchi, small shells, or orzo work great as substitutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.

Is it spicy with the red pepper flakes?

It’s mildly spicy. You can reduce or omit the flakes if you’re sensitive to heat, or add more if you like a kick.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the bacon and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker (except tortellini, spinach, cream, and cheese). Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the remaining ingredients during the last 30 minutes.

Does this soup thicken over time?

Yes, especially with tortellini soaking up the broth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this Marry Me Chicken Soup, here are more comfort-packed recipes that bring bold flavor and warm satisfaction to your bowl:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup for a rich, meaty bite with a hint of spice.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup to explore a cozy blend of coconut, curry, and dumpling goodness.
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a creamy skillet-to-soup flavor crossover.
Creamy One Pan Marry Me Tortellini if you want a pasta-forward take on the iconic dish.
Jalapeño Heat: The Ultimate Shrimp Soup when you’re ready to turn up the heat.