Luscious Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy chicken marsala pasta brings together Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected elegance.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked noodles, carrying a rich wine-infused sauce.

Mushrooms add earthy depth to each delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked this sophisticated yet remained so simple to prepare.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques.

Fragrant herbs and a splash of marsala wine create a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

This recipe promises to become your new favorite go-to comfort food.

Chicken Marsala Pasta That’s Deep And Savory

• Savor Quick Comfort: Chicken Marsala Pasta offers delightful meal solutions for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like mushrooms or use different pasta types to match personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since entire recipe develops in single pan, reducing post-dinner kitchen work.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Creamy sauce and tender chicken create universally appealing dish that satisfies both adults and kids without complicated preparations.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Ingredient Lineup

• Penne, Fettuccine, Spaghetti: Hearty pasta that holds sauce well, classic Italian-style noodles perfect for creamy dishes.
• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that absorbs flavors, best when cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Marsala Wine, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Rich wine-based sauce base with deep flavor and creamy texture.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and traditional Italian herb profile to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting overall taste.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty finish and helps thicken sauce.

• Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty texture that complements chicken and absorbs Marsala wine flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal note.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for sautéing and adding subtle flavor.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe Sequence

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Noodles

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain the noodles and set them aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Cook Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

• Olive oil
• Chicken
• Salt
• Pepper

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

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic

• Mushrooms
• Garlic

Use the same skillet to cook mushrooms until they become soft and tender, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, creating a rich aromatic base.

Step 4: Create Marsala Wine Reduction

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, carefully scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating its flavor.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese

Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.

Simmer the sauce until it thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy, which takes approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Add the previously cooked chicken and reserved pasta back into the skillet.

Gently toss everything to ensure each noodle is perfectly coated with the rich, creamy Marsala sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately while hot.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Cooking Tips That Make It Creamy

• Toast dry Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding to enhance its aromatic profile and deepen the overall taste.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture throughout the dish.
• Replace Marsala wine with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar if alcohol-free cooking is preferred, preserving similar depth of flavor.
• Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, storing in refrigerator for up to 2 days, then quickly reheat and combine with fresh pasta for a speedy meal.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

Store Chicken Marsala Pasta And Heat Smoothly

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy sauces as they might separate.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

Smart Sides for Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Wine Pairing: Select a dry, medium-bodied Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio that complements the rich Marsala sauce and cuts through the creamy texture.
• Bold Red Alternative: Choose a light-bodied red such as Chianti or Barbera, which provides a delightful contrast to the chicken's savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Flavor-Enhancing Side: Serve with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Bread Companion: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce and provide a satisfying textural complement to the pasta.

Chicken Marsala Pasta with Wine Sauce Variations

• Vegetarian Marsala: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, sliced and seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea. Use gluten-free flour to thicken sauce if needed.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce Marsala wine amount to lower carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for creamy texture and similar taste.

FAQs

• What kind of wine works best for Chicken Marsala Pasta?

Marsala wine is traditional and provides the most authentic flavor. If unavailable, dry sherry or Madeira can be good substitutes, offering similar rich, slightly sweet notes to the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Marsala wine are gluten-free certified. Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for any thickening needs.

• Is it okay to use different types of mushrooms?

Absolutely! While button mushrooms work well, cremini, shiitake, or a mix of wild mushrooms can add more depth and complexity to the sauce. Choose fresh, firm mushrooms for the best texture.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Always season the chicken, cook it on medium-high heat to get a nice brown crust, and avoid overcooking. Remove the chicken once it’s just cooked through, as it will continue to rest and stay tender when added back to the sauce.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken marsala pasta brings Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with rich, wine-infused flavors. Earthy mushrooms and tender chicken mingle in a silky sauce that pulls you into a delightful culinary journey.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve to the side.
2. Season chicken pieces with a blend of salt and ground black pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced mushrooms until they release their moisture and turn a rich golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and briefly cook until fragrant.
4. Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to liberate the caramelized cooking remnants from the pan’s bottom. Allow the wine to reduce and concentrate its flavors for 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Reunite the cooked chicken and prepared pasta with the creamy Marsala sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is generously coated.
7. Present the dish immediately, adorned with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize the pasta choice to suit dietary needs, like whole wheat or gluten-free varieties for a healthier twist.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, swap chicken with portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or seitan.
• Reduce sauce calories by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or Greek yogurt for a tangy protein boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg