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The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
I love dishes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is exactly that. I usually make it on busy weeknights or cozy weekends when I want something comforting, rich, and flavorful.
The creamy chicken, tender pasta, and subtle tang of sun-dried tomatoes make it perfect for lunch or dinner.
I also enjoy making a big batch because it tastes even better the next day.
This soup is hearty but not heavy, so it’s ideal when you want something filling without feeling weighed down.
You can enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with a simple salad for a wholesome meal. It’s one of those recipes I keep going back to because it’s easy, versatile, and so satisfying just like my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Quick Recipe Info
| Nutrition & Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 per serving |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Gluten-Free | No (contains pasta) |
| Vegan | No |
| Dairy-Free | No (contains cream & cheese) |
| Servings | 4-6 |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This soup is rich and creamy, yet easy to digest.
- It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it a complete meal.
- The flavors are layered and comforting, perfect for cold evenings.
- You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stove, so it’s very convenient.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Each ingredient in this soup contributes to a rich, flavorful dish. I like using fresh and simple items that layer together perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to lightly sauté onions and bring out their sweetness.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic base to the soup.
- Salt (2 ½ teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the taste.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle spice that lifts the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory, aromatic depth without being overpowering.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy note to complement the chicken.
- Tomato paste (1 6-oz can): Concentrates flavor and adds richness and a deep red color.
- Chicken stock (1 quart): Forms the base of the soup, giving it depth and body.
- Filtered water (2 cups): Balances the stock so the soup isn’t too thick.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Softens the acidity of the tomato paste for a smoother flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (⅓ cup, chopped): Add a slightly tangy and sweet note to the broth.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, diced or shredded): Tender, juicy protein that makes the soup hearty.
- Small pasta (2 cups, uncooked): Orecchiette, farfalle, or ditalini work best to soak up the soup.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds creaminess and richness at the final stage.
- Grated parmesan cheese (⅓ cup): Gives a salty, nutty finish.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Provides freshness and vibrant color.
- Red wine vinegar (1 teaspoon): Balances richness with a subtle acidity.
Steps to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup
This recipe is simple but builds layers of flavor at every stage. You can make it in a Dutch oven on the stove or a slow cooker for convenience.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, a pinch of salt, and black pepper, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
Sprinkle in garlic powder and dried thyme, stirring for one minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir continuously for about 30 seconds to deepen its flavor.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken stock and filtered water, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the sugar, sun-dried tomatoes, and diced chicken.
Add 2 teaspoons of salt and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta directly to the soup and stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, usually 8–15 minutes depending on the shape.
Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Greens
Turn off the heat and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and red wine vinegar. Stir in the spinach and mix gently until wilted but still vibrant green.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The soup should be creamy, flavorful, and balanced with a slight tang.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk to make the soup creamy without losing its richness. These alternatives still give a smooth texture but lighten the dish slightly.
For the chicken, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can save you time. You can even use turkey or tofu if you want a different protein option.
If you want to make it gluten-free, simply swap the small pasta for rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta. Cook the grains separately and add them at the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Lastly, if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes in oil, rehydrated plain sun-dried tomatoes or even roasted red peppers can add a similar tangy sweetness and depth to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast makes it extra comforting. I like how the bread soaks up the creamy broth and adds a crunchy texture.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, which balance the richness of the soup. Adding a small squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
For special occasions or cozy nights in, you can serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a fun presentation. I’ve also tried topping it with extra parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil, which gives it a restaurant-style feel.
Also checkout: Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup in Advance?
This soup is excellent for meal prep because the flavors develop even more after sitting overnight. I usually prepare the base with chicken, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes, then store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
To avoid overcooked pasta, I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it only when reheating. This keeps it from becoming mushy and ensures every bite is perfectly textured.
You can also freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, do it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water if the soup has thickened. Always stir in cream, parmesan, and spinach at the end to keep it creamy and vibrant.
Cooking Tips
Using high-quality chicken stock makes a big difference in the flavor, whether homemade or store-bought. I also recommend shredding the chicken rather than dicing it, which allows it to blend seamlessly with the pasta and broth.
Stir the soup occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Using sun-dried tomatoes in oil instead of dry ones gives a sweeter, richer taste and a more vibrant color.
For a lighter or lower-fat version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt added at the end. Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar at the final stage to balance flavors perfectly.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Soup
You can make a spicier version by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. For a gluten-free variation, replace the pasta with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta.
For extra veggies, try adding zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the broth. These not only increase nutrition but also add layers of flavor and texture.
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a smoky, rich flavor. You can also experiment with cheeses, like gruyere or fontina, for a slightly different creamy taste. Another idea is topping the soup with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy prosciutto for a crunchy finish.
Storage Instructions
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup keeps very well in the fridge for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. I always let the soup cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. I recommend separating the pasta if possible, because it can get mushy during freezing and reheating. When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
Always label your containers with the date so you can use them within the safe time frame. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Can We Reheat Marry Me Chicken Soup?
Yes, this soup reheats very well, but it’s best to reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. I usually stir occasionally and add a splash of water or chicken stock if the soup has thickened too much.
Add cream, parmesan, and spinach at the last minute while reheating to keep it fresh and creamy. Avoid microwaving in a rush, as high heat can overcook the pasta and wilt the spinach too much.
Leftovers taste just as good, and sometimes even more flavorful as the ingredients have had time to meld together overnight.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can add all ingredients except pasta, cream, parmesan, and spinach into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, then add the remaining ingredients at the end.
Can I use raw chicken?
Absolutely. If using raw chicken, add it at the start with the stock and vegetables. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and skip parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The soup will still be creamy and delicious.
What pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like orecchiette, ditalini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they cook evenly and absorb the flavorful broth.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, adding zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers enhances nutrition and flavor without overpowering the soup.
Conclusion
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. I love how easy it is to make, yet it tastes indulgent and satisfying.
It’s versatile, allowing for variations with pasta, vegetables, or dairy substitutes, and it keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
Every bite has tender chicken, flavorful broth, creamy parmesan, and fresh spinach, making it a well-balanced and wholesome meal.
This is one of those recipes I keep returning to because it’s simple, delicious, and loved by everyone.
