Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a medium Korean‑Italian Fusion recipe that serves 2. 575 calories per serving. Recipe by Derek Chen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $10.22 total, $5.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Thighs, Skin‑On (bone‑in preferred for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 medium Onion (yellow, diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (no added sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
- 1/4 cup White Wine (dry, such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
- 2 tablespoons Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (from one lemon, finely grated)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped)
- 200 grams Dried Pasta (Linguine or Fettuccine) (about 7 oz, dried)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, Grated (freshly grated)
- to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Crisp the Skin
Place the seasoned thighs skin‑side down in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium‑high. Cook without moving until the skin turns golden‑brown and releases from the pan, about 6‑8 minutes. Flip once and sear the other side briefly.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 350°F
Remove Chicken & Sauté Aromatics
Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add olive oil and butter to the same skillet, melt, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Build the Base with Tomato Paste & Gochujang
Stir in tomato paste and gochujang, cooking until the mixture deepens to a rich red color, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any caramelized bits. Let it reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated, roughly 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Stock and Simmer
Add chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and let reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Simmer (200°F)
Incorporate Heavy Cream
Stir in the heavy cream, lower the heat, and allow the sauce to thicken, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low simmer
Flavor Boosters
Add chopped sundried tomatoes, gochugaru, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh basil. Mix well and let the sauce coat the pan, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Finish the Chicken
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken finishes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente according to package directions, usually 8‑10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce, splash in a little reserved pasta water, and toss to coat. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and glossy.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Plate and Serve
Slice the chicken if desired, arrange over the pasta, garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 575
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains soy, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be dairy‑free using coconut cream
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Last updated: April 18, 2026








