Easy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe: A Savory Italian Delight

Comfort meets elegance in this delectable chicken marsala pasta that promises to delight your taste buds.

Rich, creamy sauce swirls around tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

The marsala wine infuses depth into every bite, elevating this classic dish to new culinary heights.

Mushrooms add an earthy dimension that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

Each forkful brings a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you to an Italian kitchen.

You’ll find this recipe strikes a beautiful balance between sophistication and homestyle cooking.

Reasons to Love Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Whip Up a Gourmet Meal: This chicken marsala pasta transforms a classic dish into an impressive dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen, making you feel like a culinary pro with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, creating a flexible recipe that welcomes personal touches and accommodates different dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Meets Elegance: Combining the rich, creamy marsala sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta delivers a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for elevating a weeknight dinner.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with this recipe that minimizes dish cleanup, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with family or friends.

Marsala Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce base.

• Garlic, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Parsley: Herbs and seasonings that add depth and freshness to the pasta dish.

• Marsala Wine, Chicken Broth: Liquids that help create a flavorful and smooth sauce.

• Pasta, Salt, Black Pepper: Foundation of the dish with basic seasoning.

• Olive Oil, Mushrooms: Supporting ingredients that contribute to the overall texture and flavor profile.

Directions for Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until tender.

Drain pasta and save some pasta water for later.

Set cooked pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and develop a beautiful crispy exterior.

Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Mushroom Base

Add butter to the same skillet.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they become soft and release their delicious earthy flavors.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté for a quick moment to release its aromatic qualities.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

Pour marsala wine into the skillet and let it simmer, creating a rich foundation.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Fresh thyme
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss to ensure every piece gets covered in the luscious sauce.

Add cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.

If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while warm, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion of chicken, pasta, and that incredible marsala sauce.

Chicken Marsala Tips for Success

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture in your final dish.
• Choose a quality dry marsala wine for authentic flavor depth and richness in the sauce.
• Ensure chicken pieces are golden brown before removing, which locks in flavor and creates delicious fond for the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to thin or adjust sauce thickness, creating a silky, clingy texture that coats every pasta strand.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that elevates the entire dish's visual appeal.

Variations for Marsala Pasta Dishes

• Vegetarian Marsala: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu. Slice mushrooms or tofu, season similarly, and follow the same cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when seasoning protein. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half. Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce Parmesan cheese quantity for a healthier alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes during mushroom sautéing. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and swap thyme with oregano for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

How to Present Marsala Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty Chicken Marsala Pasta as the star of your evening meal, placing the skillet directly on the table for a warm, inviting presentation.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich marsala sauce with a glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to enhance the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Fresh Green Companions: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include warm, crusty garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices to soak up the delicious marsala sauce and complete the comforting meal experience.

Marsala Pasta Storage Solutions

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What is Marsala wine, and can I substitute it?

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy. If unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry, Madeira wine, or a mixture of white wine and brandy.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe adapts well to gluten-free alternatives.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Italian-American comfort with this irresistible Chicken Marsala Pasta, blending tender chicken, rich mushroom sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. Wine-infused flavors dance through each bite, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 cups mushrooms

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta to al dente perfection following package guidelines, keeping aside a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium temperature and sear chicken until achieving a rich golden exterior. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet and introduce sliced mushrooms, cooking until they release moisture and become tender. Add minced garlic and briefly sauté for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour marsala wine into the skillet, allowing liquid to gently simmer and reduce for approximately two minutes. Incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Fold in cooked pasta, gently mixing to distribute sauce evenly. If sauce appears too thick, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired silkiness.
6. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately while温 still piping hot, presenting a delectable combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich marsala sauce.

Notes

• Use chicken breasts pounded to even thickness for consistent, tender cooking and faster preparation.
• Select dry marsala wine for a more balanced, less sweet sauce that complements the chicken and mushrooms.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked when first draining, as it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed, preventing mushy texture.
• Opt for cremini or baby bella mushrooms for deeper, more robust earthy flavor compared to standard white mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg