
This Marry Me Chicken Soup takes all the creamy zesty Tuscan flavors of the classic chicken dish and transforms them into an unbelievably comforting bowl. With sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of flavor, fresh basil for brightness, rotini pasta for heartiness, and a silky touch of cream, this soup never lasts long in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken: provides tenderness and protein use rotisserie for quick prep
- Sun-dried tomatoes: bring a burst of umami and tang try to find oil packed for best flavor
- Yellow onion: forms the savory backbone pick one that is firm with crisp skin
- Fresh garlic: makes the soup aromatic look for plump cloves
- Tomato paste: intensifies depth search for a rich red color
- Chicken broth: provides a hearty base opt for low sodium to adjust salt
- Chopped basil: adds herbaceous lift fresh leaves are key avoid wilted bunches
- Rotini pasta: holds the sauce well any shape works if needed
- Italian seasoning: infuses extra herby depth check freshness for bold flavor
- Heavy cream: delivers creaminess use the real stuff for richness
- Salt and pepper: finish to your taste freshly cracked is worth it
- Parmesan cheese: for garnish choose aged for sharpness and grate yourself if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your Ingredients:
- Cut the onion into a fine dice peel and mince the garlic chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil measure out tomato paste and other elements have everything lined up for smooth cooking
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add a drizzle of oil in a large heavy pot and sauté the diced onion and garlic over medium heat stirring often for about five to eight minutes until soft and starting to brown which builds a delicious flavor base
- Bloom the Tomato Base:
- Spoon in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil stir and let them sizzle with the aromatics for one to two minutes then add the tomato paste and work it through the pot for about a minute this deepens color and brings out sweetness
- Build the Soup Body:
- Stir in the shredded chicken to coat with the tomato base then pour in the chicken broth mix until everything is combined bring to a low boil over medium-high heat
- Season and Simmer:
- Add the Italian seasoning and a sprinkle of salt and pepper let the pot simmer gently allow the flavors to meld for about three to five minutes
- Cook the Pasta:
- Drop in the rotini pasta stir so nothing sticks let it cook uncovered according to the package time typically ten to twelve minutes until perfectly al dente check noodles for your ideal bite
- Finish with Cream:
- Once the pasta is cooked through turn off the heat pour in the heavy cream and give the soup a generous stir taste and adjust with extra salt and freshly cracked pepper for brightness
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into deep bowls shower with lots of grated parmesan and maybe an extra flourish of chopped basil serve piping hot

I absolutely love the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in this recipe once when making it for my mother-in-law she instantly asked for the recipe and it became part of our shared family favorites
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to four days I usually keep the pasta and soup separate if I know we will have extras as it holds up better To freeze cool the soup base without pasta then thaw gently and reheat before adding freshly boiled rotini for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken breast or thigh work if you wish to cook and shred fresh Any short pasta stands in for rotini such as penne or fusilli Coconut cream or half and half can lighten the dairy for a different twist No fresh basil Substitute baby spinach and a pinch of dried basil to still get herby flavor

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a slice of garlic bread to mop up the creamy broth A crisp green salad on the side balances the richness Top with extra parmesan or a squeeze of lemon for zing
Cultural and Historical Context
Inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dinner recipe this soup brings comfort food roots with Italian American flavors classic to cozy family meals Warm creamy soups like these are favorites through fall and winter in my kitchen and always disappear fast at potlucks
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, shredded leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Simply add it with the broth as directed.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Rotini is ideal because its shape catches the creamy sauce, but penne or fusilli are good alternatives if needed.
- → How do I make it dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.
- → Can this soup be made ahead?
Yes, prepare up to the point of adding cream and pasta. Reheat gently and add those just before serving for best results.
- → What garnishes work well?
Freshly chopped basil, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil will enhance each serving with color and flavor.