Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe: Weeknight Magic in a Bowl

Crafting a delightful chicken marsala pasta brings pure culinary magic to your weeknight dinner table.

Mushrooms and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that dances across your palate.

Rich marsala wine infuses each bite with deep, complex flavors.

Perfectly cooked pasta serves as the ideal canvas for this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Invite friends over and watch their faces light up when you serve this impressive yet uncomplicated dinner that feels like a gourmet experience.

Let’s transform an ordinary evening into something extraordinarily delicious.

Best Pairings With Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Serve this hearty pasta in large ceramic bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced flavors and fresh contrast.
• Create an Instagram-worthy presentation by twirling pasta on white plates, arranging chicken slices artfully on top. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for sophisticated restaurant-style visual appeal.
• Transform into a one-pan casserole by transferring pasta mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top and broil for golden crispy edges. Perfect for chilly evenings and comforting weekend dinners.

Keeping Chicken Marsala Pasta Fresh Longer

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Properly sealed, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and prevent sticking.
• When storing or reheating, mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly to keep the creamy texture and prevent ingredients from separating.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the Marsala wine?

Yes, you can use Madeira or sherry as alternatives. These wines have similar sweet and rich flavors that work well in the sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and avoid overcooking. Cook until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for tender meat.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken Marsala pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.

What Makes Chicken Marsala Pasta Shine

• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complex chopping or intricate techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These Italian beef sandwiches deliver rich, savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend meals.
• Hands-Off Cooking Brilliance: The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming a tough chuck roast into mouthwatering, tender beef that practically melts in your mouth with zero constant monitoring required.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Serve these sandwiches straight from the slow cooker or customize with cheese, extra peppers, or different bread types to suit various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.
• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that carries the rich sauce and other ingredients.
• Marsala Wine: A key flavor component that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Garlic, Mushrooms: Provide earthy and aromatic flavors that complement the chicken and wine sauce.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley: Enhance and brighten the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How To Cook Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water following the package guidelines. Once tender, drain and set the pasta aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute Mushroom Medley

• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook until mushrooms become tender and release their natural moisture.

Step 4: Create Marsala Sauce

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet and let it simmer for two minutes.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir ingredients together until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine Protein and Sauce

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Allow everything to simmer together for five minutes, letting the flavors blend.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish and gently toss until pasta is completely coated with the creamy Marsala sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and sauce is creamy.

Handy Insights For Chicken Marsala Pasta

Elevate the dish by choosing high-quality Marsala wine for richer flavor complexity. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning. Select fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper umami notes and more robust texture. Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream and broth quantities – less liquid creates thicker sauce, more creates lighter coating. For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties without compromising taste profile.

Taste Tweaks For Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Spicy Mediterranean Marsala: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to introduce a zesty Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Seafood Marsala Pasta: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops, using white wine to complement the delicate seafood while keeping the creamy sauce intact.
• Light Herb Marsala: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano, reducing cream and using Greek yogurt for a lighter, more herbaceous rendition.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken marsala pasta blends Italian-American cuisine with creamy, rich flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, sauté minced garlic and sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and become tender, roughly 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour Marsala wine into the pan, allowing it to bubble and reduce for 2 minutes while scraping any caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Introduce chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the creamy sauce, letting it warm through and absorb the flavors for an additional 4-5 minutes.
7. Fold the reserved pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich Marsala mixture.
8. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose a dry Marsala wine for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the overall dish depth.
• Use chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Consider replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier version without sacrificing creamy texture.
• When sautéing mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg