There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup. This cozy, creamy soup is loaded with shredded chicken, pasta, and a rich broth infused with Italian flavors. With hints of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace. Best of all, the slow cooker takes care of most of the work while you go about your day.
Whether you’re preparing for a relaxed dinner or looking to batch cook something warm and filling, this soup delivers bold, irresistible flavor in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Big Flavor with Little Effort
Thanks to ingredients like Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic, this soup is deeply flavorful while being easy to prepare.
2. Set It and Forget It Cooking
Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, making this dish ideal for busy days.
3. Satisfying and Balanced
With lean protein, hearty noodles, and leafy greens, this soup is both nourishing and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe helps create a warm, savory bowl that’s both rich and satisfying.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the base ingredients, building depth from the start.
- Yellow Onion (½, diced): Adds sweetness and savory flavor.
- Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Enhances the soup’s aroma and savory profile.
- Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the base.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, shredded): A convenient and protein-packed filling, especially when using rotisserie chicken.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, earthy note to the broth.
- Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): A mix of herbs that gives the soup a classic Mediterranean character.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Infuse the soup with a sweet, tangy punch that sets it apart.
- Egg Noodles (8 ounces): These cook right in the broth, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Brings richness and silky texture to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the broth.
- Baby Spinach (3 cups): Stirred in at the end for color and a boost of nutrients.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and balance.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle on before serving for an optional kick.
How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup
This flavorful soup starts with a quick sauté of onion, garlic, and tomato paste to create a base full of umami. Everything else is combined in the slow cooker and left to simmer until the flavors are fully developed. Cream and cheese are added at the end for richness, followed by spinach for a fresh touch.
By the time you lift the lid, the result is a warm, creamy chicken soup that feels like it took hours but required little hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and cook the diced onion and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Blend in Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste and stir well. Cook for 1 more minute to remove any raw tomato taste.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the broth, shredded chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add the Pasta
Stir in the dry egg noodles, cover, and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The noodles should be tender and the soup well blended.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and creamy.
6. Wilt the Spinach
Add the baby spinach and stir again. Let it sit for several minutes until the spinach wilts.
7. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired, then ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Add them at the right time so they stay tender, not mushy.
- Cheese Melts Best When Added Late: Adding Parmesan at the end keeps it creamy instead of clumping.
- Spinach Goes in Last: Let it wilt naturally in the hot soup instead of overcooking it.
- Use Leftover Chicken: A rotisserie chicken saves time and boosts flavor.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and herby with a touch of tang
Texture: Smooth broth with tender chunks of chicken and soft pasta
Occasion: Ideal for weeknight meals, cold weather comfort, or quick-prep dinners
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 to 6 hours
Notes and Optional Variations
- Try Turkey Instead of Chicken: A great way to use Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to bring heat.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Swap the Pasta: Try orzo or small shells for a change in texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 467 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 2543 mg |
| Cholesterol | 129 mg |
| Potassium | 1146 mg |
| Vitamin A | 3171 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 375 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Based on general estimates and ingredient choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Marry Me chicken soup be made entirely in a slow cooker?
Yes. Once the aromatics are sautéed, everything else cooks in the slow cooker with no additional pots needed.
How long should Marry Me chicken soup cook in a slow cooker?
On high, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. On low, plan for 5 to 6 hours.
What makes Marry Me chicken soup creamy without heavy cream?
The richness comes from a combination of Parmesan and tomato paste. You can use coconut cream or oat milk as alternatives.
Can slow cooker Marry Me chicken soup be frozen?
Yes, but for best results, freeze without the noodles and spinach. Add them after reheating.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without noodles or spinach for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add broth if it thickens too much.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup | Cozy, Creamy, Irresistible
- Total Time: 3 to 6.5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A slow-cooked chicken soup with a creamy base, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. This rich and comforting dish is perfect for busy nights or weekend family dinners.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
8 ounces dry egg noodles
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Red pepper flakes, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Add broth, chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine.
4. Add noodles. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
5. Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Let cheese melt completely.
6. Stir in spinach and allow to wilt in hot soup.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
You can freeze the soup without noodles and spinach for best results.
To make dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 467
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2543mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 129mg
Conclusion
Creamy, comforting, and layered with rich Italian-inspired flavors, this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup is the perfect recipe to keep in your rotation. It’s cozy enough for a cold evening yet simple enough for a midweek meal. With just a few steps and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.