Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by The Golden Balance on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 41 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min
Cost: $6.90 total, $1.73 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, split and pounded to even thickness)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (for coating the chicken)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoned flour)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoned flour)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for seasoned flour)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (for seasoned flour)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing chicken)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for sauce base)
- 1/4 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Calabrian Chili Paste (adds heat)
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (for richness)
- 8 oz Linguini Pasta (dry, cooked al dente)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (chopped, adds freshness)
- to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper (final seasoning)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Split each chicken breast in half, then pound to an even thickness of about ½‑inch. In a shallow bowl combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and dried oregano; dredge the chicken pieces, shaking off excess.
Time: PT5M
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a stainless steel skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook without moving until a deep golden crust forms, about 4 minutes per side.
Time: PT8M
Finish Chicken in the Oven
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and place in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, roughly 12 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Build the Sauce Base
Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the chopped sun‑dried tomatoes and let them soften for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Add Aromatics and Heat
Add the minced garlic and Calabrian chili paste, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Time: PT1M
Deglaze and Scrape Fond
Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth, scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Time: PT3M
Enrich the Sauce
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and a pinch of the earlier spice blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano). Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
Time: PT2M
Cook the Linguini
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (212°F). Add 8 oz linguini and cook al dente according to package directions, about 8‑9 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 212°F
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked linguini to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir in chopped fresh basil and season with additional pepper if desired.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Serve
Slice the baked chicken into strips or bite‑size pieces. Arrange the creamy linguini on plates, top with the juicy chicken pieces, and garnish with extra basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 32g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 26g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey Breast
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use extra)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Calabrian Chili Paste: Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half
- Instead of Linguini Pasta: Spaghetti, Fettuccine
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Italian parsley
Equipment Needed
- Stainless Steel Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sear the chicken until a deep golden crust forms
- Deglaze the pan and scrape the fond for maximum flavor
- Cook the linguini al dente to maintain texture
- Bake the chicken to finish cooking without drying out
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, lemon zest and the spice blend for 30 minutes before coating.
- Use high‑quality Calabrian chili paste for authentic heat and smoky depth.
Troubleshooting
Chicken turns out dry
Do not over‑bake; check internal temperature at 12 minutes and remove when it reaches 165°F. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Sauce is too thick
Add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra vegetable broth to loosen.
Sauce curdles after adding cream
Lower the heat before adding cream and stir continuously; avoid boiling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze portions (without fresh basil) for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add fresh basil after reheating
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Sear and bake the chicken a few hours ahead; keep warm in a low oven (200°F)
- Prepare the sauce up to the heavy‑cream stage, refrigerate, and finish when ready to combine with pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken pasta dishes in Italian cuisine?
Chicken pasta, while not a traditional rustic Italian staple, reflects the modern Italian-American adaptation where protein is added to classic pasta sauces for a heartier meal. It showcases Italy’s love for simple, high‑quality ingredients combined with comfort‑food appeal.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken pasta in Italy?
In Northern Italy, chicken is often paired with butter‑based sauces and mushrooms (e.g., chicken alfredo in Lombardy). In the South, tomato‑based sauces with olives and capers are common. The Golden Balance’s version uses a creamy, slightly spicy sauce inspired by central Italian flavors.
How is chicken pasta traditionally served in Italian households?
Typically, the pasta is tossed with the sauce and served family‑style on a large platter, with sliced chicken placed on top or mixed in. It is often accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken pasta associated with in Italian culture?
Chicken pasta is popular for casual family gatherings, weekend lunches, and festive occasions like birthdays because it is both comforting and quick to prepare, allowing hosts to spend more time with guests.
How does chicken pasta fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Italian principle of balancing pasta with a protein and a sauce that highlights seasonal ingredients—here, sun‑dried tomatoes, basil, and a touch of heat from Calabrian chili—while keeping preparation straightforward.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Italian chicken pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, dried oregano, and Parmigiano‑Reggiano. Acceptable substitutes are vegetable broth for chicken broth, heavy cream for half‑and‑half, and fresh basil can be swapped with flat‑leaf parsley if unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with Marami Chicken Pasta from The Golden Balance?
Pair it with a light arugula‑lemon salad, roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant, and a crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to balance the creamy sauce and mild heat.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Marami Chicken Pasta from The Golden Balance?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, not allowing a proper crust to form, burning the garlic, and boiling the cream which can cause curdling. Follow the searing and temperature cues closely for best results.
Why does this Marami Chicken Pasta recipe use Calabrian chili paste instead of regular red pepper flakes?
Calabrian chili paste provides a deeper, smoky heat and a slightly fruity undertone that integrates smoothly into the cream sauce, whereas red pepper flakes would give a sharper, more isolated spiciness.
Can I make Marami Chicken Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook and cool the chicken and sauce separately, store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and add the chicken just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance specialize in?
The Golden Balance focuses on balanced, health‑conscious home cooking, offering recipes that blend flavorful international cuisines with mindful ingredient choices and clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
The Golden Balance emphasizes lighter, nutrient‑dense adaptations of classic Italian dishes, often incorporating lean proteins, reduced‑fat dairy, and fresh herbs, whereas many traditional Italian channels stick to richer, indulgent versions.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
