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

  1. Season the Chicken

    Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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)

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Derek Chen

A romantic, restaurant‑style chicken pasta that blends Italian comfort with Korean heat. Skin‑crispy chicken thighs are simmered in a rich tomato‑gochujang cream sauce, brightened with lemon and fresh basil, then tossed with al dente pasta and Parmesan. Perfect for a date night for two.

MediumKorean‑Italian FusionServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 5m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.22
Total cost
$5.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Crisp the skin on the chicken thighs
  • Deglaze with white wine to lift caramelized bits
  • Return chicken to sauce and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F
  • Cook pasta al dente and reserve pasta water
  • Toss pasta with sauce and Parmesan quickly

Safety Warnings

  • Use a cold pan for skin‑side down to avoid splattering hot oil
  • Wine may flame; keep face away and use a long-handled spoon
  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature to prevent foodborne illness

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Merry Me Chicken Pasta in Korean‑Italian fusion cuisine?

A

Merry Me Chicken Pasta is a modern fusion that blends the comfort of Italian pasta with bold Korean flavors like gochujang and gochugaru. It reflects a growing trend of cross‑cultural cooking where chefs combine staple ingredients from both cuisines to create exciting, date‑night‑worthy dishes.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations exist for Korean‑Italian fusion pasta dishes in Korea and Italy?

A

In Korea, pasta dishes often incorporate gochujang, kimchi, or sesame oil, while in Italy, classic sauces rely on tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. Some Korean‑Italian restaurants serve spaghetti with bulgogi‑marinated beef, whereas Italian chefs might add a hint of Korean chili paste to a traditional arrabbiata for heat.

cultural
Q

How is Merry Me Chicken Pasta traditionally served in Korean‑Italian fusion restaurants?

A

It is typically plated with the chicken sliced over a nest of al dente linguine, finished with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves. A side of lightly dressed arugula or a crisp green salad often accompanies the dish.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Merry Me Chicken Pasta commonly prepared in Korean‑Italian households?

A

Because it combines elegance with quick preparation, it’s popular for date nights, small celebrations, and weekend family meals where a special yet uncomplicated dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Merry Me Chicken Pasta special within Korean‑Italian cuisine?

A

The dish uniquely balances the umami‑rich gochujang and gochugaru with the creamy richness of heavy cream and the bright acidity of lemon, creating a layered flavor profile that stands out among typical fusion pasta recipes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Merry Me Chicken Pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include skin‑on chicken thighs, gochujang, gochugaru, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are boneless chicken, sriracha for gochujang, red pepper flakes for gochugaru, and Pecorino Romano for Parmesan.

cultural
Q

What other Korean‑Italian dishes pair well with Merry Me Chicken Pasta?

A

Pairs nicely with a simple Korean‑style cucumber salad (oi muchim), a miso‑infused bruschetta, or a light miso‑lemon soup to complement the richness of the pasta.

cultural
Q

What common mistakes should I avoid when making Merry Me Chicken Pasta at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the chicken skin, which prevents crispness; over‑reducing the sauce so it becomes grainy; and cooking the pasta too long, which makes it mushy. Follow the crisp‑skin tip and reserve pasta water to keep the sauce silky.

technical
Q

Why does this Merry Me Chicken Pasta recipe use gochujang instead of regular chili paste?

A

Gochujang provides a deep, fermented sweetness and umami that regular chili paste lacks, creating a more complex flavor that balances the creamy sauce and lemon brightness.

technical
Q

Can I make Merry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and reheat gently. Store cooked chicken separately and combine just before serving. Keep pasta cooked al dente and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Derek Chen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Derek Chen focuses on approachable, globally‑inspired home cooking, often showcasing fusion dishes that blend Asian flavors with classic Western techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Derek Chen’s approach to Korean‑Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Derek Chen emphasizes quick, one‑pan methods and uses familiar pantry staples while still honoring authentic Korean ingredients, whereas many other channels either stick strictly to traditional recipes or rely on heavy equipment and elaborate techniques.

channel

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