The Creamiest Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Pasta lovers find creamy chicken marsala an irresistible comfort dish that blends rich flavors with hearty ingredients.

Savory mushrooms and tender chicken create a delightful harmony on your plate.

Wine-infused sauce adds depth to every delectable bite.

Robust Italian techniques shine through this simple yet elegant meal.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with minimal preparation.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of marsala wine elevate this classic combination beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Master this recipe, and you’ll impress everyone at the table.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Treat

• Swiftly Satisfy Cravings: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken Marsala pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like different pasta types or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Creamy, savory dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal meal for gathering everyone around the dinner table with minimal fuss.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing dish washing and making meal preparation stress-free and convenient.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Chicken: Tender pieces of protein that provide a hearty base for the creamy pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the main carrier for the delicious sauce.

• Marsala Wine: A rich, fortified wine that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture for the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herb note to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb used as a bright, fresh garnish.

• Mushrooms: Adds an earthy, umami flavor and tender texture to the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and providing a base for sautéing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

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

Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Saute Mushroom Magic

• Sliced mushrooms
• Minced garlic
• Fresh thyme

Cook until mushrooms become tender and garlic releases its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Splash Of Marsala Wine

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet. Scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom.

Let the wine simmer and reduce, concentrating its rich flavor.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Allow the sauce to thicken and develop a velvety consistency.

Step 6: Marry The Ingredients

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring every strand gets coated with the decadent sauce.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Tips for Creamy Marsala Pasta Success

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Select fresh, firm mushrooms and slice them uniformly for even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the sauce.
• Choose a dry Marsala wine for authentic flavor – avoid sweet varieties that can overpower the delicate sauce profile.
• Gradually add cream and stir constantly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Use pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne or rigatoni to help sauce cling better and enhance overall dish enjoyment.

Variations to Try with Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the rich Marsala sauce and creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap thyme for oregano to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Seafood Marsala Pasta: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops, using lighter white wine and adding lemon zest for a coastal flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace traditional flour-coated chicken with almond flour coating to keep the recipe celiac-friendly.

Pairings That Suit Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy Marsala sauce and cut through its richness.
• Elevate with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to add a vibrant, caramelized contrast to the pasta's creamy texture.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough to soak up the delectable Marsala sauce and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Balance with Light Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a zesty, peppery element that refreshes the palate between creamy bites.

Storage Advice for Marsala Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the pasta reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Is Marsala wine necessary for this recipe?

You can substitute with chicken broth and a splash of white wine or sherry for similar depth of flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta like fettuccine, penne, or linguine works well with this creamy chicken Marsala sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without drying out.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme works perfectly fine. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Savory chicken marsala pasta delivers Italian-inspired comfort with rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken. Creamy, indulgent flavors blend perfectly, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this classic culinary masterpiece.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (454 grams) pasta (shells, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, allowing them to transform into a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking, roughly 6-7 minutes. Extract chicken and temporarily set aside.
3. In the identical skillet, dissolve butter and introduce sliced mushrooms. Allow them to soften and caramelize for approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate aromatic garlic and delicate thyme, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Cascade Marsala wine into the pan, actively loosening caramelized remnants from the skillet’s surface. Permit liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for 3-4 minutes.
5. Integrate chicken broth and rich cream, elevating mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow sauce to thicken and develop depth, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken and accumulated juices into the creamy environment. Fold in Parmesan cheese until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency. Gently integrate reserved pasta, ensuring complete coating.
7. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and present immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Marsala wine for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper taste.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version.
• Choose cremini or shiitake mushrooms for richer, more complex umami notes in the sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour-coat chicken with almond flour to make the dish completely gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg