Name: Marry Me Chicken Ramen: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breast fillets (approx. 200g each); 2 packages ramen noodles (without seasoning mix); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon paprika powder; 1 teaspoon Italian herbs; 100 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 250 ml chicken broth; 200 ml cream; 50 g grated Parmesan; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter

Marry Me Chicken Ramen is not merely a recipe; it’s an invitation to an unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine a dish so exceptionally delicious, so utterly comforting, that it inspires genuine adoration – that’s precisely the sentiment behind this viral sensation. While the original “Marry Me Chicken” took the internet by storm with its creamy, irresistible sauce, I’ve taken that beloved concept and harmoniously blended it with the soul-soothing embrace of classic Japanese ramen. This fusion creates a meal that transcends ordinary comfort food, offering a gourmet twist that is surprisingly approachable for any home cook.

I distinctly recall my first encounter with the idea of merging these two culinary powerhouses, and I knew instantly that I had to craft a version that lived up to its grandiose name. The magic lies in the tender, perfectly cooked chicken, luxuriating in a velvety, rich sauce, all perfectly intertwined with springy, authentic ramen noodles. Each spoonful delivers a symphony of umami, creaminess, and hearty satisfaction that truly warms you from the inside out. Prepare yourself to discover why this remarkable Marry Me Chicken Ramen has captured hearts worldwide; it’s a dish designed to impress, delight, and perhaps even inspire a little romance in your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for any celebration.

Ingredients:

For the “Marry Me” Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I find thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Creamy “Marry Me” Ramen Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic really makes a difference here!)
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced (reserve a tablespoon of the oil if you like, for extra flavor!)
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium is often best so you can control the seasoning)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (this is where the luxuriousness comes in for our Marry Me Chicken Ramen!)
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 0.5 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love a little kick!)
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4-5 ounces fresh spinach (about 4-5 large handfuls), roughly chopped
For the Ramen Noodles:
- 3 blocks (about 3 oz each) high-quality instant ramen noodles (I recommend discarding the seasoning packets for this recipe, as our sauce is the star!) or 8-10 ounces fresh ramen noodles
- Water for boiling noodles
For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended!):
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional red pepper flakes

Preparing the “Marry Me” Chicken: The Heart of Your Ramen

Let’s kick things off by preparing our star protein! Perfectly cooked chicken is essential for an incredible bowl of Marry Me Chicken Ramen. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay incredibly tender and juicy, even if you accidentally overcook them ever so slightly. However, if you prefer chicken breast, feel free to use it – just be mindful of not overcooking it, as it can dry out faster.

First things first, take your chicken thighs and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is often overlooked but it’s crucial for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown crust we’re aiming for. Moisture on the surface of the chicken will steam rather than sear, preventing proper browning.
In a small bowl, combine your salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. This flavorful blend is going to infuse so much goodness into our chicken. Sprinkle this seasoning generously all over both sides of the chicken thighs. Make sure every piece is well-coated – don’t be shy! Gently rub the spices into the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking. A good hot pan is key for a fantastic sear.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle immediately – that’s the sound of flavor developing! Resist the urge to move the chicken for the first 4-5 minutes. We’re aiming for that beautiful, deep golden-brown crust, which locks in the juices and adds incredible texture to our Marry Me Chicken Ramen. This crust is crucial for both flavor and presentation.
Once you see a beautiful golden-brown crust forming on the bottom, flip the chicken thighs. Cook for another 5-7 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy; it’s a small step that ensures perfectly cooked, succulent chicken every time.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is vital! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken remains incredibly moist and tender when you slice into it. If you cut it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto your board, leaving you with drier chicken.
While the chicken is resting, you can proceed to the next step, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after removing the chicken. This will capture any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which can then be added to your sauce for an extra layer of depth.

Crafting the Velvety “Marry Me” Sauce: The Soul of Your Ramen

This is where the magic truly happens, creating the luscious, rich, and utterly irresistible sauce that gives our “Marry Me Chicken Ramen” its famous name! This sauce is creamy, savory, and beautifully balanced, promising a truly comforting experience. Pay attention to these details for the best result.

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits from the chicken add fantastic flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (or a touch of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil if you’re using it).
Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté them gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes start to soften and release their intense, sweet-tart aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those little bits are packed with flavor! Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Now, stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and onion powder. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. We want a gentle bubbling, not a rolling boil, which could cause the cream to separate.
Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Using freshly grated Parmesan is key here; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and luxurious.
Taste the sauce at this point and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese already contribute some saltiness, so add gradually. You want the sauce to be perfectly seasoned, rich, and balanced.
Finally, add the fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which usually takes only about 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rich sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Your incredibly luscious “Marry Me” sauce is now ready to coat our delicious Marry Me Chicken Ramen!

Cooking the Perfect Ramen Noodles: The Foundation

While our chicken is resting and our sauce is simmering, let’s get those noodles ready! The type of ramen noodle you choose can significantly impact the final dish. I recommend opting for a higher quality instant ramen (again, discarding the flavor packet) or, even better, fresh ramen noodles from an Asian market if you can find them. They offer a much better texture and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. You’ll need enough water to fully submerge your ramen noodles without them sticking together.
Carefully add the ramen noodle blocks or fresh ramen noodles to the boiling water. If using instant ramen, gently separate the blocks as they soften.
Cook the noodles according to the package directions, but aim for slightly al dente. This usually means cooking them for 2-3 minutes for most instant ramen or 1-2 minutes for fresh noodles. You want them to have a slight chew, as they will finish cooking and absorb more sauce when combined with our “Marry Me” creation.
Once cooked to your desired tenderness, immediately drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander. I usually give them a little shake to remove excess water. There’s no need to rinse them, as we want that starchy coating to help the sauce cling to every strand.

Assembling Your Exquisite “Marry Me Chicken Ramen”

Now for the grand finale – bringing all these delicious components together to create your show-stopping Marry Me Chicken Ramen! This is the moment where all your hard work pays off, resulting in a dish that is both beautiful to look at and incredibly satisfying to eat.

Retrieve your rested chicken from the cutting board. Slice the chicken thighs against the grain into ½-inch thick strips. Slicing against the grain ensures maximum tenderness in every bite.
Add the drained ramen noodles directly into the skillet with your creamy “Marry Me” sauce. Using tongs, toss the noodles thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in that luscious goodness. This is where the magic truly comes together, as the noodles absorb the flavors of the rich sauce. Gently heat the noodles and sauce together over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, just to ensure everything is warm and beautifully integrated.
Portion the saucy noodles into individual serving bowls. I find that a deep bowl works best for ramen, allowing you to really dig in and enjoy every slurp.
Arrange the sliced “Marry Me” chicken over the top of the noodles in each bowl. Distribute it evenly so everyone gets a generous portion of that perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken.
Finally, garnish your Marry Me Chicken Ramen with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little extra warmth. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aromatic contrast to the rich sauce, while the additional Parmesan enhances the cheesy depth.
Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! This dish is truly a labor of love, designed to impress and comfort. The combination of the succulent chicken, the velvety, rich sauce, and the perfectly cooked noodles creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable. Enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality Marry Me Chicken Ramen – it’s a dish that’s sure to win hearts!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps of creating something truly extraordinary, a dish that consistently wows and comforts, cementing its place as a staple in my kitchen and, I hope, in yours too. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience, a warm embrace in a bowl that promises to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to take a bite. The rich, velvety sauce, the perfectly cooked chicken, and those delightful chewy ramen noodles all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that is genuinely unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes in pure enjoyment, savoring every single spoonful.

I truly believe this recipe is an absolute must-try for so many reasons. For starters, its incredible ease of preparation means you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to achieve restaurant-quality results. It’s surprisingly quick, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something satisfying and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. But beyond the convenience, it’s the sheer depth of flavor that sets this dish apart. The creamy, savory broth, infused with garlic, herbs, and the savory goodness of chicken, creates a base that is both sophisticated and incredibly comforting. It’s a dish that manages to be both indulgent and accessible, appealing to a wide range of palates. If you’ve been searching for that perfect cozy meal to impress someone special, or simply to treat yourself to a moment of culinary bliss, then the Marry Me Chicken Ramen is undeniably it. It truly lives up to its name, sparking joy and maybe even a few heartfelt declarations!

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. While it’s utterly perfect as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own! For serving suggestions, I always recommend a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions for a touch of vibrant color and a mild oniony bite. A drizzle of chili oil, if you like a little heat, takes it to another level, adding a beautiful warmth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. And seriously, don’t skip the soft-boiled egg! Its jammy yolk adds an extra layer of richness that ties everything together. A sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a lovely nutty crunch. For those who love a bit of texture, some crispy fried garlic or shallots would be an amazing addition.

Feeling adventurous with variations? If you want to boost the veggie content, feel free to wilt some fresh spinach or bok choy directly into the hot broth in the last few minutes of cooking. Sautéed mushrooms would also be a fantastic earthy addition. For those who prefer a different protein, while it’s “chicken” ramen, feel free to experiment! Pan-seared shrimp or even crispy tofu could be delightful alternatives. You could even swap out traditional ramen for udon noodles for a chewier texture. If you’re looking for an even richer experience, a spoonful of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end can add an extra layer of umami. For a brighter finish, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can cut through the richness beautifully.

Now, it’s your turn! I genuinely encourage you to grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this incredible dish. I promise you won’t regret it. There’s something truly magical about cooking for yourself or your loved ones, and this recipe delivers on that promise of warmth, comfort, and deliciousness every single time. Once you’ve had a chance to try it, please, please come back and share your experience! I absolutely love hearing about your culinary adventures. Did you add a unique topping? Did you try a fun variation? Did it live up to its “Marry Me” reputation? Let me know in the comments below, or even better, share a photo on social media and tag me! Your feedback and creative twists inspire me and our entire cooking community. Happy cooking, and prepare for a truly memorable meal!