Name: THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1-1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup diced carrots; ½ cup diced celery; ½ cup diced onions; ¼ cup diced sundried tomatoes; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup flour; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, see notes); 6-8 cups chicken broth; 6 oz pasta (Italian small shells); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; ½-1 cup grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese; 2 ½-3 cups fresh spinach

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 7 reviews

Prepare to be swept off your feet by THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup! Imagine tender chicken morsels, hearty veggies, sun-kissed tomatoes, and baby pasta shells all swirling in a luscious, parmesan-scented cream broth. This soup brings restaurant-level soul-warming comfort right into your kitchen, whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or dreaming of the perfect weeknight dinner. Every spoonful is creamy, rich, and bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors—so good, it might just make you want to propose to your dinner companion!

THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup is in its simple, accessible ingredients that, when combined, become so much more than the sum of their parts. Each element brings a unique taste, color, or texture to create that signature mouthwatering harmony.

Olive oil: A splash to start everything off with that classic Mediterranean richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for irresistibly tender bites in every spoonful.
Italian seasoning: Adds that unmistakable herbal aroma and flavor that instantly makes any dish taste like it came straight from Tuscany.
Salt and pepper: The essential flavor elevators; don’t underestimate their power in highlighting all the soup’s nuances.
Diced carrots: Sweet and colorful, they add a pop of earthy flavor and a little crunch.
Diced celery: Adds depth and a subtle crispness to the base, balancing the richness.
Diced onions: Their sweet savoriness melds everything together in the soup pot.
Diced sundried tomatoes: A tangy, chewy surprise in each bite, infusing the broth with a sun-drenched tomato boost.
Minced garlic cloves: For aromatic warmth and bold flavor that soaks into every spoonful.
Flour: A soup thickener that gives you that creamy, velvety texture you’ll crave.
Tomato paste (optional): For those who want a little extra tomato punch and a hint of deeper color; totally your call!
Chicken broth: The base of the soup; start with less and add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Italian small pasta shells: They soak up flavor and offer a cozy, comforting bite—so fun in soup!
Heavy whipping cream: The dreamy, creamy component that makes every bowl luxurious.
Grated parmesan reggiano cheese: Adds richness, saltiness, and plenty of authentic Italian flavor.
Fresh spinach: Wilts down to delicate green ribbons, giving freshness and nutrition with every bite.

How to Make THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté and Brown the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a big sturdy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken, sprinkle it with half the Italian seasoning, and let it sear until golden on all sides—about four or five minutes. This step locks in the juiciness while giving your chicken a flavor-packed crust. Don’t rush this part—the little browned bits at the bottom mean extra depth in your soup.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, toss in your onions, carrots, celery, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. As they sizzle, their aroma fills the kitchen and they start to soften (about three to four minutes). This is where the soup starts smelling irresistible, so take a moment and enjoy it! You’re setting up that classic Tuscan flavor profile that makes THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup so iconic.

Step 3: Thicken with Flour and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the flour across the veggies and stir it in thoroughly, letting it coat everything evenly. If you’re opting for tomato paste, add it now and mix well. This quick flour cook-off step ensures your soup will be perfectly silky without any raw flour taste—think creamy, not stodgy!

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer with Pasta

Slowly whisk in your chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits from the bottom. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then stir in the pasta shells, the rest of your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover, lower the heat, and let everything bubble away gently for about 20 minutes, just until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you like your pasta with extra bite or want to prep ahead, cook it separately and add just before serving.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Finish with Greens and Cheese

Uncover the pot and finally pour in the heavy cream, handfuls of fresh spinach, and a generous shower of parmesan cheese. Simmer for five more minutes—just enough for the spinach to wilt and the cheese to melt into the soup, creating that signature creamy hug. Give your soup a salty, savory taste test, and add more seasoning if it needs it. Now, you’re ready to serve THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup!

How to Serve THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way to make each bowl even more inviting. Try a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan, a flourish of freshly cracked black pepper, or some torn basil or parsley. If you love a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add beautiful color and heat!

Side Dishes

This soups pairs so well with sides that can soak up its creamy broth—think warm, crusty Italian bread, crunchy breadsticks, or even a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For something heartier, a cheesy garlic baguette really kicks the meal up a notch! The soup is filling, but a light salad on the side can add freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup in rustic soup bowls, or even edible bread bowls for a fun, cozy twist. For an elegant touch, drizzle with a swirl of extra cream or a zigzag of good olive oil, and finish with some microgreens for color. Hosting a party? Try ladling it into small mugs or mini cups for an appetizer-sized starter everyone will adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your soup cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so next-day soup tastes just as dreamy—just expect the pasta to soak up more broth and get a little softer.

Freezing

To freeze THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup, leave out the pasta (or add cooked pasta fresh when reheating) to avoid mushiness. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a Tuscan hug in a bowl, just thaw and enjoy!

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened in the fridge. Avoid high heat, which can cause the dairy to separate. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results, then warm through until steamy and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is so convenient for THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup. Just shred it and add it towards the end when you add the cream and spinach, warming it through without overcooking—this saves time and still packs in lots of flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Small shells are ideal because they scoop up broth and bits in every spoonful, but any small pasta shape like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni works wonderfully. Remember, if planning for leftovers or freezing, cook the pasta separately and add to bowls as needed!

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Sub in full-fat coconut milk or a high-quality plant-based cream for the heavy cream, and swap parmesan for your favorite dairy-free alternative. The result will be just as creamy, and you’ll still have all the coziness you crave from THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup.

How can I avoid mushy pasta in the soup?

To steer clear of mushy pasta, boil it separately and add it to each bowl just before serving. This way, you’ll always have al dente noodles, especially if you’re making the soup ahead or storing leftovers.

Is it possible to make THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Add all ingredients except the pasta, cream, spinach, and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours, then add cooked pasta, cream, spinach, and parmesan at the end for a quick finish. You’ll get the same rich, layered flavors with even less effort!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason I keep coming back to THE BEST Creamy Marry Me Tuscan Chicken Soup—it’s simply that good. Cozy, creamy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a feel-good favorite for any occasion. Invite your friends or family to the table, ladle out a generous bowl, and savor the magic together. Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why it earns that “marry me” reputation—one spoonful at a time!