Watch How to Make This Marry Me Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Before you scroll any further, take a moment to watch this quick 1-2 minute video. It provides a visual guide on how this incredible recipe comes together! It’s the easiest way to learn all the tips and tricks before you start cooking. Seeing is believing, and this video will ensure your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time.

Marry Me Chicken Soup Ingredients (and Why Each One Matters)

No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients are needed for this recipe! You likely already have most of these pantry staples on hand. Just gather some chicken, cream cheese, pasta shells, and spinach. These simple ingredients combine to create a soup that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen, without all the fuss.

If you’re looking for similar flavor profiles and easy dinner ideas, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup for a classic twist and my original Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe for the inspiration behind this soup!

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker and shred easily, making them ideal for this soup.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Tangy and slightly sweet, sun-dried tomatoes provide a delightful burst of flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cream and cheese. They add a vibrant pop of color and a complex depth of flavor.
• Pasta shells: Cooking the pasta directly in the broth infuses it with flavor and makes this a true one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
• Spinach: Added at the end, fresh spinach brings a vibrant freshness and beautiful color to the soup, providing a nutritional boost as well.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan infuses the entire soup with a savory richness and nutty flavor, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.

The Remaining Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika

A complete ingredient list with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below. Be sure to check it out for all the details!

If you’re craving even more Italian-inspired comfort food, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, a deconstructed classic that’s both comforting and flavorful; Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, a creamy and savory twist on a favorite; or my Zuppa Toscana Casserole, a creamy and comforting bake featuring sausage, potato, and kale.

Delicious Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

• Protein: For even more tender and flavorful chicken, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Greens: Swap the spinach for kale for a heartier, more robust flavor.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago or Romano, for a sharper and more distinct flavor.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

For another incredibly flexible and customizable dinner option, don’t miss my 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup

Step 1: Assemble the Base. In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, fresh basil (or dried), salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.

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Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken or dice it into smaller pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Spinach for the Final Touch. Stir in the pasta shells, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy the Flavor. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy!

Full step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below. Feel free to print it out and save it for later use.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Cube the cream cheese: Before adding the cream cheese to the slow cooker, cube it into smaller pieces. This will help it melt more smoothly and evenly into the broth, preventing any clumps.
• Let it rest: Allow the soup to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the broth to thicken slightly, resulting in a richer and creamier consistency.
• Add extra broth: If you find that the pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking, simply add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Need even more inspiration for your next comforting meal? Try my Taco Soup, a fiesta in a bowl; Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, a hearty and flavorful classic; or one of these cozy casseroles: Onion Chicken Potato Casserole, Spinach Chicken Orzo Casserole, and Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup

Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta and spinach. When reheating, add fresh pasta and spinach for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply reduce the slow cooker time to about 3 hours since the chicken is already cooked.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small to medium-sized pasta shells, elbow macaroni, or ditalini are all excellent choices. These shapes cook evenly in the slow cooker and hold their shape well.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

• Serve the soup with warm, crusty rolls or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair it with a fresh side salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, or a crack of black pepper for added flavor and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Soup

Store: Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the pasta and spinach) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, adding a little extra chicken broth if needed to thin it out. If you froze the soup, add fresh pasta and spinach during the reheating process.

If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup, be sure to tag me on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking for a chance to be featured!