Fall in Love Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup! This creamy, dreamy, and utterly satisfying soup is packed with succulent chicken, tender pasta, and the signature burst of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a soulful embrace in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug.

The Viral Sensation: Marry Me Chicken – Now a Cozy Soup

If you’re a fan of the internet’s beloved Marry Me Chicken – the dish so good it’s rumored to lead to proposals – prepare to fall in love all over again. We’ve taken everything you adore about that iconic recipe and transformed it into a delightful, hands-off slow cooker soup. Imagine the rich, creamy sauce, the perfectly tender chicken, and the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes, all simmered together with comforting pasta in one incredible bowl. For those who’ve followed our culinary adventures, you know our affection for Marry Me Chicken runs deep, spawning popular variations like Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and Marry Me Chicken and Rice. This soup version is a testament to the enduring appeal of those beloved flavors.

Why Your Slow Cooker is Perfect for Marry Me Chicken Soup

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a slow cooker, especially when it comes to developing deep, layered flavors with minimal effort. Our Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup capitalizes on this convenience, allowing you to “set it and forget it” while the ingredients meld into a harmonious symphony of taste. The gentle, prolonged cooking time ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the savory goodness of the broth and spices. It also makes this recipe an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simply when you want a delicious homemade meal without being tied to the stove. The slow cooker handles the hard work, leaving you with a warm, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours of complex preparation.

Essential Ingredients for a Marry Me Masterpiece

Creating this irresistible soup begins with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the signature Marry Me Chicken flavor profile:

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation, crucial for savory depth. While jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch, fresh offers a superior, more vibrant flavor.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base of our soup. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall savoriness. Low-sodium or no-sodium options are great if you’re managing your sodium intake, allowing you to control the seasoning more precisely.
• Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are a non-negotiable for authentic Marry Me Chicken flavor. Their concentrated, sweet-tart taste adds a vibrant richness that’s hard to replicate. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them, but be aware it will alter the classic taste significantly.
• Tomato Paste: A powerhouse of umami. Adding tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor and provides a robust, complex base to the soup, making it much richer. Don’t skip it if you want the best possible result!
• Onion Powder & Italian Seasoning: These dried spices contribute essential savory and aromatic notes. Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which complements the chicken and tomato beautifully. Feel free to adjust or add other preferred herbs and spices to your liking.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of sweet pepper flavor and a lovely warmth to the color of the soup. While not strictly essential, it enhances the overall profile.
• Medium Shell Pasta: Or other small pasta shapes like elbows, ditalini, or even orzo work wonderfully in soup. The shells are perfect for capturing the creamy sauce. Cooking pasta directly in the slow cooker saves an extra pot, but timing is key to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
• Cream Cheese: Softened and cut into cubes, cream cheese is the secret to the soup’s incredible creaminess and tangy richness. It melts beautifully, creating a silky texture.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. Milk will not yield the same rich texture and flavor, so heavy cream is highly recommended.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth. Finely shredded parmesan melts seamlessly into the soup, contributing to its luscious consistency. Freshly grated is always best.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A fantastic shortcut for this recipe! Pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken makes prep incredibly fast. However, instructions for using raw chicken are also provided if you prefer.
• Fresh Basil: The final touch of freshness and aromatic lift. Stirred in at the end or used as a garnish, fresh basil brightens the dish and complements the tomato flavors. Dried basil is not a suitable substitute for this finishing touch.

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step

Creating this heartwarming soup in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In your 5-6 quart crock pot, add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and whisk everything together thoroughly until well combined.
2. Initial Simmer: Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. This can take approximately 2 hours, though exact timing can vary depending on your slow cooker’s specific model and brand. Be patient and let the flavors begin to meld.
3. Add Pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, stir in the uncooked medium shell pasta. Replace the lid and continue to cook until the pasta is al dente. This typically takes about 12-25 minutes, again depending on your slow cooker. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
4. Stir in Creamy Components and Chicken: Now for the magic! Add the chopped fresh basil, softened cream cheese (cut into cubes), heavy whipping cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Stir well to incorporate everything.

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6. Final Heating: Cover the slow cooker once more and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese and parmesan are fully melted and smoothly incorporated, and the chicken is heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish: Your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup is now ready! You can switch your slow cooker to the “warm” setting, where it can safely stay for 3-4 hours until you’re ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with extra shredded parmesan and fresh chopped basil for a beautiful finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Absolutely! If you’re short on slow cooker time or prefer the stovetop method, here’s how:

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Once boiling, stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Do not drain any liquid.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and fresh basil, stirring until the chicken is heated through, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

What do I do if my soup is too thick or too thin?

• Too Thick: If your soup becomes too thick (which can happen as pasta absorbs liquid), simply dilute it with additional chicken broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Too Thin: If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some liquid to evaporate, or you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup until it thickens.

Can I use raw chicken instead?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for raw chicken:

1. Add 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add the chicken broth, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine the seasonings with the broth around the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the crock pot. Then, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, basil, and parmesan to the broth.
5. While the creamy ingredients are melting, cook your pasta separately on the stovetop until al dente.
6. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the crock pot along with the cooked pasta.
7. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the creamy sauce is well combined.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Soup?

This rich and creamy soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides. To balance the richness, consider:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty bread, Garlic Bread, Dinner Rolls, or Breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious soup.
• Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus adds a healthy element with minimal fuss.

How long do leftovers last? Can I freeze this soup?

Due to the pasta in this soup, it is best enjoyed within 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and can become very soft or mushy over time. For this reason, freezing this soup is not recommended as the pasta texture will significantly degrade upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it only when serving, then freeze the broth and chicken base.

Ingredient Substitution Tips:

• Pasta Shape: While medium shells are suggested, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you truly dislike sun-dried tomatoes, you could try a small amount of roasted red peppers for a similar smoky sweetness, but the flavor profile will change.
• Creaminess: For a slightly lighter version, you could try half-and-half, but be aware it won’t be as rich and creamy as heavy cream.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

Everything you love about the viral Marry Me Chicken, but made effortlessly in your Crock Pot as a comforting soup. Enjoy that creamy, velvety sauce with tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Author: Brandie Skibinski
• Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth (can use low or no sodium)
• 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta (half a 16 ounce box)
• 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for serving)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

1. Add 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 3 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to a 5-6 quart crock pot.
   

   
   

2. Pour in 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth and use a whisk to combine.
   

   
   

3. Cover and set the crockpot to high until it’s boiling (this can take about 2 hours, depending on your slow cooker).
4. Stir in 8 ounces uncooked medium shell pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 12-25 minutes (again, this will depend on your slow cooker). Make sure to replace the lid and stir occasionally.
   

   
   

5. Stir in 4 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped, 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese and 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken. Cover. Be sure to stir occasionally until the cream cheese and parmesan are fully melted, and the chicken is heated through. Approximately 5-10 minutes.
6. At this point, you can turn the slow cooker to a warm setting until you are ready to serve (it can stay on the warm setting for 3-4 hours). Serve garnished with additional parmesan and fresh chopped basil.
   

   
   

Notes

• If you prefer, you can cook the shells separately and skip step 3. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker along with the chicken, cream cheese, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, etc. Cover and cook. Stir occasionally until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated. This method can help maintain pasta texture better if storing leftovers.
• See the “Frequently Asked Questions” section above for directions on how to make this on the stovetop or how to use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 641 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 38g
• Sodium: 1747mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g

Nutritional Disclaimer

The Country Cook is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

More Cozy Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you loved this comforting soup, you might enjoy these other delicious chicken recipes:

• Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
• Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Marry Me Chicken and Rice
• Malibu Chicken
• Easy Tomato Basil Sauce (perfect for pairing with chicken!)

We hope you enjoy this easy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s a recipe designed to bring warmth and happiness to your table with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!