Description:
A soul-warming, creamy chicken soup inspired by the famous Marry Me Chicken dish. This version transforms those irresistible flavors into a cozy crockpot soup loaded with tender chicken, al dente macaroni, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly evenings!
Ingredients For Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Macaroni Soup
For the Soup:
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1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
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4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour (for thickening, optional)
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2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
For Garnish (Optional):
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
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Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
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Prepare the Base:
Add chicken, onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine. -
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender. -
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot. -
Make it Creamy:
In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add heavy cream and whisk until slightly thickened. Pour this mixture into the crockpot. -
Add Pasta:
Stir in uncooked macaroni and Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–25 minutes or until pasta is tender. -
Add Greens (Optional):
Stir in spinach just before serving and let it wilt. -
Serve:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or basil, and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
Servings
Makes 6 hearty servings — perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut (add it in Step 5).
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Adjust thickness by adding more broth or cream to taste.
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For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
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Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and skipping the roux.
Tips
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Don’t overcook the macaroni — add it toward the end to keep it al dente.
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Add a splash of lemon juice for a subtle tang that brightens the soup.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx.)
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Calories: 460
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 25g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 5g
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Sodium: 720mg
(Values vary by ingredients used.)
Health Benefits
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Protein-rich: Supports muscle repair and satiety.
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Calcium & Vitamin D: From cream and cheese for strong bones.
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Lycopene & Antioxidants: From sun-dried tomatoes for heart health.
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Iron & Magnesium: Boost energy and metabolism.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
Q2: Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh. If freezing, leave out the pasta and add it when reheating.
Q3: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely — penne, shells, or rotini all work well.
Q4: How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Q5: What can I serve it with?
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad.