The Perfect Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy chicken Marsala pasta brings together Italian-inspired flavors in a delightful culinary adventure.

My kitchen always feels magical when this dish simmers on the stovetop.

Rich wine-infused sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly al dente noodles with incredible depth.

Mushrooms add an earthy complexity that makes each bite memorable.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers remarkable satisfaction.

Professional chefs would nod with approval at such a straightforward yet elegant meal.

Grab your skillet and let’s create something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe Highlights

• Savor Gourmet Comfort: Transform a classic chicken dish into a creamy, indulgent pasta that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious dinner with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a satisfying meal.
• Create One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by using a single skillet to build layers of flavor, from searing chicken to developing a rich, velvety sauce that coats every pasta strand.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping mushrooms, using different herbs, or adjusting the cream-to-broth ratio to suit personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the foundation of this hearty dish.

• Chicken: A tender and lean protein that provides a delicious main component to the meal.

• Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms: A flavorful trio that creates a rich and savory base for the sauce.

• Marsala Wine: A sweet fortified wine that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that creates a smooth and creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential cooking fats that add richness and help develop flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the taste of the chicken and overall dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: A classic combination that adds a salty, nutty, and fresh element to the pasta.

Preparation Steps for Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Boil and Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water following package directions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping warm.

Step 2: Sear Seasoned Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until it develops a golden-brown crust.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt butter.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook until vegetables become tender and release their flavors.

Step 4: Create Marsala Wine Sauce

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavors.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet.

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring pasta and chicken are evenly coated with sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Choose a good-quality dry Marsala wine to enhance the depth and richness of the sauce, avoiding overly sweet varieties.
• Boil pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning and cook at medium-high heat to create a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Use a mix of fresh mushrooms like cremini and shiitake for complex, earthy undertones that complement the Marsala sauce.
• Simmer the sauce gently to allow it to thicken naturally, creating a creamy coating that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, seared and seasoned similarly for a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients like broth and wine are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Variation: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and swap Marsala wine with white wine for a zestier Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich Marsala sauce with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied Chardonnay that balances the creamy, savory flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Add roasted asparagus spears or sautéed spinach on the side to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful plate.
• Bread Companion: Serve with toasted garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce and complete the meal.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into a cold pasta salad by chilling and mixing with extra herbs and a splash of olive oil for a next-day lunch option.

Storage Guidance for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture.
• Pack the cooled chicken Marsala pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency, stirring gently until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes Marsala wine unique in this recipe?

Marsala wine provides a rich, sweet-tangy flavor that adds depth to the sauce, creating a complex and sophisticated taste profile that distinguishes this pasta dish from ordinary chicken pasta recipes.

• Can I substitute the Marsala wine?

If you can’t find Marsala wine, you can use dry sherry or Madeira as alternatives. However, these will slightly alter the traditional flavor of the dish, so try to use Marsala if possible.

• Is Chicken Marsala Pasta considered a difficult recipe to make?

No, this recipe is relatively straightforward and can be prepared by home cooks with basic cooking skills. The key is to follow the steps carefully and manage your cooking temperatures.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and savory chicken marsala pasta showcases Italian-American culinary artistry with tender chicken and mushrooms in a wine-infused sauce. Diners will savor complex flavors and comforting textures in this delightful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Flavoring and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Marsala wine
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with kosher salt and cracked pepper, then sear in hot olive oil until golden and cooked through at medium-high heat, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat and melt butter, sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms until they become tender and release their moisture, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, scraping up all caramelized bits from the bottom, and allow liquid to reduce by half.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich sauce. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
6. Reintroduce seared chicken to the sauce, then fold in cooked pasta, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated.
7. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with extra herb and cheese for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Choose pasta with ridges or curves to better hold the creamy Marsala sauce, enhancing flavor absorption.
• Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior without steaming.
• Use fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for richer, more complex umami flavor profile compared to canned varieties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 562 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg