Heavenly Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Magic

Culinary magic happens when savory chicken marsala pasta meets your dinner table.

Unexpected flavors dance across each perfectly cooked noodle.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between silky strands, creating a harmonious blend of Italian-inspired comfort.

Mushrooms add earthy depth to this classic dish.

Wine-infused sauce provides a luxurious coating that elevates simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners can feel like gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Grab a fork and let deliciousness guide you through this irresistible meal.

Chicken Marsala Pasta Bursting With Flavor

• Conquer Complex Flavors: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish that brings sophisticated Marsala taste right to your home kitchen without needing professional cooking skills.
• Streamline Meal Preparation: This one-skillet wonder reduces dirty dishes and simplifies cooking by using the same pan for multiple steps, making cleanup a breeze.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine tender chicken, hearty pasta, and rich sauce that appeals to both adults and kids, transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like mushrooms or protein type to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe versatile for different tastes and nutritional needs.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for this delicious chicken marsala dish.
• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that provides a satisfying main component of the recipe.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy flavor and substantial texture to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce base for coating the pasta and chicken.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Dried Thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Builds a foundational flavor for the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides cooking fat and adds depth to the sauce.

• Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Adds fresh herbal brightness and salty cheese notes to finish the dish.

How To Prepare Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a big pot of water bubbling with salt. Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside for later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a skillet with olive oil.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Take the chicken out and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Mushrooms
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions turn translucent and mushrooms get wonderfully soft.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

Dust the vegetables with flour, stirring to prevent clumps. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and thick.

• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Add the drained pasta and mix until everything is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Elevating Chicken Marsala Pasta With Simple Tips

• Opt for chicken breasts that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use fresh mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, more robust flavor compared to canned varieties.
• Select a dry Marsala wine from Italy for authentic taste, avoiding sweet versions that can overpower the dish.
• Achieve creamy sauce consistency by whisking flour slowly and steadily to prevent lumps from forming.
• Keep pasta slightly undercooked when draining, as it will continue absorbing sauce and soften while mixing in the skillet.

Alternative Twists For Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, sliced and seared for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for enhanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for sauce thickening.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Reduce cream quantity and use Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce while maintaining creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes. Include kalamata olives and swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings For Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Comfort Meal Twist: Transform this classic dish into a cozy family dinner by serving it in deep bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for a comforting meal everyone will love.
• Elegant Dinner Party Style: Plate the pasta on white dishes, garnish with fresh parsley, and pair with a crisp white wine to elevate the dining experience for guests.
• Leftover Lunch Makeover: Pack the chicken Marsala pasta in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully and keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
• Rustic Weekend Feast: Serve family-style in a large cast-iron skillet, allowing everyone to dig in directly from the pan for a casual and inviting meal presentation.

Storing Chicken Marsala Pasta Properly

• Refrigerate leftover Chicken Marsala Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
• Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Is Marsala wine necessary for this recipe?

No, you can substitute with chicken broth or white wine if Marsala isn’t available. The goal is to maintain a rich, savory flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests a specific pasta, you can use fettuccine, penne, or linguine based on your preference or what’s in your pantry.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, cook on medium heat, and avoid overcooking. Remove the chicken as soon as it turns golden and is cooked through to maintain moisture.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as an alternative. The sauce might be slightly less creamy, but it will still taste delicious.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Rich Chicken Marsala Pasta blends Italian culinary traditions with creamy comfort. Savory mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Carbohydrates:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste

Liquids and Fats:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil a generously salted water pot and cook pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and completely cooked through, roughly 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, melt butter and olive oil together. Sauté onions until translucent and softened, then introduce sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Dust flour over vegetables, stirring continuously to prevent clumping.
5. Slowly pour chicken broth into the skillet, whisking steadily to create a smooth consistency. Allow sauce to thicken and develop depth for 4-5 minutes.
6. Incorporate heavy cream and dried thyme, stirring until sauce becomes silky and uniform. Simmer gently for an additional 3-4 minutes.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Add drained pasta and toss until ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easy-to-eat pieces that absorb the Marsala sauce perfectly.
• Experiment with different mushroom types like cremini, shiitake, or wild mushrooms to add depth and unique flavor to the dish.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired creamy texture.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg