
A luxurious twist on classic comfort food, this Marry Me Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, creamy broth. Italian-inspired flavors blend perfectly with fresh spinach and two varieties of melted cheese for an irresistible meal.
A restaurant-quality soup that consistently draws recipe requests, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavors and comforting familiarity.
Key Ingredients Guide
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces provide superior flavor and richness
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed varieties offer intense flavor and useful cooking oil
- Tortellini: Fresh pasta ensures proper texture and quick cooking
- Heavy Cream: Essential for silky smoothness
- Havarti: Melts beautifully while adding subtle flavor notes
- Baby Spinach: Adds fresh color and nutrients
Essential Preparation Steps
- Initial Browning
- Heat tomato oil until hot. Season chicken and brown skin-side down until golden for maximum flavor development.
- Aromatic Base
- Sauté onions in the flavored oil, incorporating browned bits. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking until deeply fragrant.
- Broth Development
- Deglaze with broth, transfer to slow cooker with remaining liquid and seasonings for depth.

The rich, silky broth studded with tender pasta and vegetables creates an impressive presentation that rivals upscale Italian restaurants.
Texture Control
Maintain proper temperature when incorporating dairy elements. Remove from heat before slowly stirring in cream and cheese to prevent separation.
Advance Preparation
Prepare the base through broth development stage and refrigerate. Complete with pasta and finishing ingredients just before serving.
Flavor Balance
Fresh lemon and tender spinach provide brightness to complement the rich elements. Additional vegetables can be incorporated for variety.

This elevated comfort food combines slow-cooked flavors with refined presentation, making it ideal for special occasions while remaining achievable for home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is boneless chicken okay to use?
- Definitely! Boneless breasts work, but cut the cook time by an hour since they cook quicker.
- → Why is browning the chicken recommended?
- It brings a deeper, richer flavor to your soup, thanks to the tasty browned bits left in the pan.
- → How do I freeze this soup?
- Keep tortellini and cream out before freezing. Add them fresh when warming up to keep the pasta from turning soggy.
- → What’s a good swap for Havarti cheese?
- Mozzarella or provolone are great alternatives—they melt well and have that same mild taste.
- → Can I prepare this on the stovetop?
- Yes! Simmer the soup gently for around an hour till the chicken softens. Add the tortellini near the end and follow the recipe as usual.