Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic Marry Me Chicken Ramen is one of them. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in comfort from the very first spoonful. If you love the original, you might also enjoy our creamy Marry Me Chicken Lasagna.
I remember my grandma’s kitchen, always warm and smelling of something wonderful. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into pure magic. This dish takes me right back to her cozy table.
Today, I want to share that feeling with you. We’re taking a beloved classic and giving it a cozy, noodle-y twist. It’s the perfect hot meal idea for any night you need a little extra comfort.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Comfort Food Fusion
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
The original Marry Me Chicken is a legend. It’s a creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken dish with a name that promises love at first bite. I’ve always adored its rich, savory flavor.
One rainy evening, I was craving those flavors but also the deep comfort of a brothy noodle soup. I thought, why not bring them together? The result was this ramen. It’s a wonderful alternative to a classic Marry Me Chicken Soup.
It’s a marriage of two perfect ideas. You get the luxurious, creamy sauce and tender chicken, all swimming in a savory broth with springy noodles. It’s a hug in a bowl.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
For me, the traditional way is about heart, not hard rules. It’s about using real, simple ingredients that build flavor together. We’re not cutting corners here.
The base is a flavorful fond from browning the chicken. We build the sauce right in that same pan. Using both the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and good broth is key.
Finally, we let the noodles cook right in the pot. They soak up all that amazing sauce and broth, becoming the best part. That’s how you make a one-pot wonder.
Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Marry Me Chicken Ramen Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to comfort. Each one plays a special part in creating that unforgettable taste.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (save 1 tbsp of the oil!)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 (3 oz) packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packets)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps and your kitchen will smell incredible. Take your time and enjoy the process. That’s where the love comes in.
- Season the chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. This builds our flavor base. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- In the same pot, add the reserved tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for just one minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s pure flavor!
- Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the ramen noodles and the browned chicken back into the pot. Gently push the noodles down into the liquid. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach until it just wilts. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.
- Ladle the ramen into deep bowls. Garnish with lots of fresh basil or parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy the comfort.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A couple of small tricks can make a big difference. They’re the little secrets that make this dish sing with flavor.
First, use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender in the broth, much better than breasts for this recipe. Second, don’t skip scraping the pot after adding the broth. Those browned bits are liquid gold.
Finally, add the spinach right at the end. You just want it to wilt in the hot soup. This keeps its bright color and fresh taste.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This dish is best enjoyed right away, but leftovers are still wonderful. Let the soup cool completely before storing.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will keep soaking up broth, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when you reheat it.
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the creamy sauce and noodles can become a bit grainy when thawed. It’s a perfect make-now, eat-now kind of meal.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, comforting dish. Here’s a basic look at what’s in a serving to help you plan your meal.
- Calories: ~720
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
Please note: These are estimates based on the ingredients used. Values can change if you modify the recipe.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Here are answers to a few common questions I get about this cozy dish.
Can I use chicken breast instead?
You can, but I really recommend thighs. Breast meat can dry out faster in the simmering broth. If you use breast, cut it small and don’t overcook it.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a slightly lighter version, you can try half-and-half. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. I don’t recommend milk, as it might separate.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Just leave out the red pepper flakes. The dish has so much flavor from the garlic, thyme, and sun-dried tomatoes that you won’t miss the heat.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your table on a night when you need it most. It’s more than just chicken food ideas; it’s a bowl of pure, warm comfort.
Making it is a simple joy, and sharing it is even better. It’s a reminder that the best meals are often the ones that make us feel at home. For another fun twist on these flavors, why not try a Marry Me Chicken Pizza?
Did this recipe bring back memories for you? I would love to hear your story. Let me know how it turned out in the comments below, and please give it a rating!
