Heavenly Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe for Dreamy Dinner Magic

Creamy and packed with robust flavors, this delightful chicken marsala pasta weaves together classic Italian-inspired ingredients in one comforting dish.

Tender chicken pieces dance through a rich marsala wine sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the golden-brown chicken’s savory notes.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes that transport you straight to a cozy trattoria.

The recipe balances simplicity with gourmet elegance, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

With just a few key ingredients, you can craft a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why People Love Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Quicken Your Culinary Skills: Master an impressive restaurant-style dish without complicated techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all levels.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt ingredients based on preferences or pantry availability, transforming this chicken marsala pasta into a personalized meal that suits your taste.
• Family-Pleasing Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines rich, savory flavors everyone will love, from kids to adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single skillet, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The base of the recipe that provides a satisfying and filling foundation.

• Marsala Wine: A rich, sweet wine that creates a deep and complex flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich base for cooking and add depth to the flavor.

• Mushrooms: Brings an earthy and umami flavor to the pasta dish.

Cooking Up Marsala Pasta at Home

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sear Seasoned Chicken

Season chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add fresh mushrooms and minced garlic.

Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, creating a rich, fragrant base for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Marsala Wine Sauce

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes, concentrating its flavors.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Simmer the mixture until it starts to thicken slightly, creating a velvety consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Combine

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

• Cooked chicken
• Prepared pasta

Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy Marsala sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve immediately while hot, allowing the aroma to tantalize your senses.

Marsala Pasta Tips to Keep in Mind

• Choose a medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni that catches the creamy marsala sauce in its ridges.
• Use a quality dry marsala wine for the most authentic and rich flavor profile in the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Slice mushrooms uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the sauce.
• Simmer sauce slowly to allow natural reduction and thickening, creating a luxurious coating for pasta and chicken.

Fun Marsala Pasta Variations

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, cut into strips. Sauté until golden and follow the original recipe steps.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half. Reduce butter quantity and use olive oil for a healthier alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Marsala wine with white wine. Incorporate fresh oregano for extra Mediterranean flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this pasta on a large white platter with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top, creating a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Match the dish with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied Chardonnay to complement the rich marsala sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Side Kick: Accompany the pasta with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, savory chicken marsala and add a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious marsala sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful culinary experience.

Keeping Marsala Pasta Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken and pasta are completely cooled before sealing.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steamy.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

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

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily. You can substitute with dry sherry, Madeira wine, or white wine with a splash of brandy for similar depth of flavor.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and avoid overcooking. Use medium heat and cook just until golden brown to keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Marsala wine are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

Button mushrooms are classic, but cremini or shiitake mushrooms add more complex flavor. Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and taste.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Savory chicken marsala pasta brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich marsala wine sauce. Creamy, aromatic noodles invite you to savor each delightful, flavor-packed bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms (sliced)

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear in a combination of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, introduce sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, sautéing until mushrooms release moisture and become tender, developing rich caramelized edges.
4. Pour marsala wine into the pan, utilizing its liquid to deglaze and lift browned cooking remnants, allowing the alcohol to reduce and concentrate flavors for 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate chicken broth and heavy cream, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the liquid to gently simmer and incrementally thicken, creating a luxurious sauce consistency.
6. Integrate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smoothly melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by prepared pasta, carefully tossing to ensure complete sauce coverage and uniform temperature distribution.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust wine selection to control alcohol content, using chicken broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and tender texture throughout the dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative.
• Toast mushrooms separately to develop deeper, richer flavor before adding to the sauce, enhancing overall taste complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg