Marry Me Chicken Ramen
Marry Me Chicken Ramen is a dish that combines tender chicken, savory broth, and comforting ramen noodles, all intertwined in a luscious cream sauce. This delightful recipe is not just another meal; it’s a heartfelt promise that it may just win over hearts and taste buds alike. The rich flavors and creamy texture of this dish will have your family asking for seconds, or perhaps even proposing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Ramen is not only a joy to make, but it also boasts numerous benefits that will have you adding it to your weekly menu. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps means you can whip this up in under 30 minutes!
Moreover, it is family-friendly and sure to please picky eaters with its creamy sauce and familiar flavors. Plus, the dish is versatile enough to allow for various adjustments—whether you want to spice it up with some extra heat or keep it mild for the kids. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, Marry Me Chicken Ramen is also an impressive dish to serve at gatherings, truly a meal that has the potential to steal the show!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast fillets (about 200 g each)
- 2 packets of ramen noodles (without seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 100 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 250 ml chicken broth
- 200 ml cream
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Imagine tender chicken that’s been perfectly seasoned and seared to a mouthwatering golden brown, infused with the aroma of garlic and herbs. Picture the richness of a cream-based sauce, dotted with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, all enveloping hearty ramen noodles. Each bite promises a luxurious yet comforting experience.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breast fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs to create a delightful flavor base.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Stir in Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey (or maple syrup), stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
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Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated, forming a creamy and luxurious sauce.
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Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken back in the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes on low heat, making sure it soaks up all that fabulous flavor.
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Cook the Ramen Noodles: In a separate pot, prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Combine the Components: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the ramen noodles to the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing until the noodles are well-coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan if desired, serving this hearty dish hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Spice Level: If your family enjoys heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some crushed red chili peppers to elevate the flavor profile.
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While Italian herbs work beautifully, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish further, giving it a burst of freshness.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate some cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch in your dish.
- Storage Tip: Should you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Marry Me Chicken Ramen is hearty enough to be served on its own but can be complemented with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, can also enhance the delightful flavors of the dish, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values can vary based on brands and specific ingredient choices, a rough estimate per serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fat: 30 g
This dish provides a nice balance of protein and carbohydrates with a delectable creamy profile, making it a satisfying meal option.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, store the Marry Me Chicken Ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove top or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to retain moisture. To switch things up, try substituting the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb alternative.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Ramen is more than just a meal; it’s an experience brimming with flavor and warmth. Its ease of preparation, combined with its rich texture and taste, promises to be a comforting addition to your dinner repertoire. Trust us—you’ll want to try this recipe out and possibly make someone propose!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?
Absolutely! While ramen works wonderfully, you can use udon, soba, or even regular pasta in its place.
2. How can I make this dish lighter?
Substituting light cream or even Greek yogurt can lower the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the leftovers can be frozen. However, the texture of the noodles may change upon reheating.
4. What can I pair with Marry Me Chicken Ramen?
This dish pairs well with a simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette, or garlic bread for a delightful carb experience!
5. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can replace the cream with coconut milk and opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative to maintain its creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
Marry Me Chicken Ramen
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breast fillets (about 200 g each) Seasoned for enhanced flavor.
- 2 packets ramen noodles (without seasoning) Use any brand, just omit the seasoning packets.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust spice level to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon paprika Enhances the color and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs For seasoning the chicken.
- 100 grams sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Adds richness and depth.
- 250 ml chicken broth Base of the cream sauce.
- 200 ml cream For making the sauce creamy.
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese Enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Adds a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste Depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season the dish properly.
- 1 tablespoon butter Used for sautéing garlic and tomatoes.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish Adds a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breast fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and honey (or maple syrup), stirring to combine. Simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated in the sauce.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes on low heat.
- In a separate pot, prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the ramen noodles to the skillet, mixing until well-coated in the creamy sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.