Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup (Creamy, Sun‑Dried Tomato + Parmesan)

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Soup is the slow cooker comfort food, bringing together all the irresistible flavors of the viral classic in a cozy, spoonable form. Tender chicken, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and plenty of Parmesan melt into a rich, creamy chicken soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

This recipe is easy to make on busy weeknights, yet special enough to serve for company, thanks to its crowd‑pleasing flavor and hands‑off preparation. With the Crockpot doing all the work, you’ll come home to a warm, family‑friendly meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and proposal‑worthy. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight dinner or looking for a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this creamy soup is a must‑try.

Quick Recipe

Add chicken, onion, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, broth, spices, and a bay leaf to the slow cooker, cook until chicken is tender. Shred chicken. Stir in cream and Parmesan, thicken if desired. Add spinach and optional orzo/gnocchi near the end until tender.

Finish with lemon, basil, and extra Parmesan.

Ingredients for Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup

• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken (thighs for richer flavor or breasts), trimmed  
• 1 small yellow onion, diced  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced  
• 1/2 cup oil‑packed sun‑dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)  
• 6 cups low‑sodium chicken broth  
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning  
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh at the end)  
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)  
• 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)  
• 1 bay leaf and optional Parmesan rind  
• 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk (add at the end)  
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)  
• 3 cups baby spinach  
• Optional starch: 3/4 cup dry orzo OR 16 oz shelf‑stable gnocchi (add at the end)  
• Optional thickener: 1–2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with equal water  
• Finish: 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh basil

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Step-by-step Instructions

• Load the pot: Add onion, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind (if using). Drizzle in 1 tbsp sun‑dried‑tomato oil. Nestle in chicken and pour broth over top.  
• Slow cook: Low 6–7 hours or High 3–3.5 hours, until chicken shreds easily.  
• Shred & enrich: Remove chicken, shred, and return. Stir in cream and Parmesan. If you prefer thicker, whisk in cornstarch slurry and cook on High 10–15 minutes.  
• Add starch (optional):  
•    Orzo: stir in and cook on High 20–25 minutes until al dente.  
•    Gnocchi: add and cook on High 10–15 minutes until tender.  
•    (For best leftovers, cook starch separately and add to bowls.)  
• Finish: Stir in spinach to wilt, then lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Signature “Marry Me” flavor: garlicky, tangy sun‑dried tomatoes + creamy Parmesan.  
• No babysitting: true dump‑and‑simmer Crockpot method.  
• add or skip pasta, choose thighs or breasts, dairy swaps below.

Key Tips

• Add dairy and cheese at the end on Warm/Low to prevent curdling.  
• Taste your broth, if it’s salty, dial back added salt until the very end.  
• Lemon at the finish brightens rich flavors without extra salt.  
• For a creamier mouthfeel, blend 1–2 cups of the soup (without chicken) and stir back in.

Tips & Variations in Recipe

• Chicken: thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner.  
• Dairy: heavy cream is silkiest; evaporated milk is lighter and stable.  
• Parmesan: grate fresh; a Parmesan rind in the pot adds incredible depth.  
• Greens: spinach wilts fastest; chopped kale needs a few extra minutes.  
• Dairy‑free: use unsweetened coconut or oat milk + dairy‑free Parmesan; thicken with slurry if needed.  
• Gluten‑free: use GF orzo/gnocchi—or skip starch.

Tasty Side Dishes for Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup

• Warm focaccia, garlic bread, or crusty sourdough  
• Simple arugula or Caesar salad  
• Roasted asparagus or green beans

Storage & Reheat

• Refrigerate: up to 4 days (airtight).  
• Reheat: gently on stovetop or 50% microwave power; add a splash of broth or milk to loosen.  
• Freeze: for best texture, freeze the soup base before dairy and pasta. Reheat, then add cream/Parmesan and spinach; cook pasta fresh.

Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup | Creamy & Easy

Make creamy Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup with sun‑dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and spinach. Hands‑off, weeknight‑easy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 5–6 qt slow cooker
• immersion blender (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken (thighs or breasts)
• 1 small onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup oil‑packed sun‑dried tomatoes chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
• 6 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf + optional Parmesan rind
• 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 cups baby spinach
• Optional: 3/4 cup dry orzo or 16 oz gnocchi
• Optional thickener: 1–2 tbsp cornstarch + equal water
• Finish: 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh basil

Instructions

 

• Add onion, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind to slow cooker. Drizzle in 1 tbsp tomato oil. Add chicken and pour in broth.
• Cook on Low 6–7 hr or High 3–3.5 hr, until chicken is tender.
• Remove chicken, shred, and return. Stir in cream and Parmesan. If desired, add slurry; cook on High 10–15 min to thicken.
• Add orzo (20–25 min on High) or gnocchi (10–15 min on High) until tender.
• Stir in spinach to wilt and finish with lemon juice. Season to taste and serve with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Notes

 For best leftovers, cook starch separately and add to each bowl.  

Evaporated milk gives creaminess with fewer calories and won’t split as easily.

Keyword Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Crockpot “Marry Me” Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of slow cooker convenience and comfort food flavor, combining tender chicken, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan in a rich, creamy broth. This easy weeknight dinner is family‑friendly, versatile, and can be customized with orzo, gnocchi, or gluten‑free options. Whether served with crusty bread or a fresh salad, this cozy soup delivers warmth and satisfaction every time. Add it to your collection of slow cooker chicken recipes for a dish that’s simple, crowd‑pleasing, and unforgettable.