The Silky Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering creamy chicken marsala pasta that combines rich flavors and tender ingredients.

Succulent chicken breasts dance with earthy mushrooms in a luxurious marsala wine sauce.

The creamy sauce coats each pasta strand with velvety smoothness and deep, robust notes.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special with this restaurant-quality dish that comes together effortlessly.

Home cooks can master this impressive recipe without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Layers of flavor and simple preparation make this pasta a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Reasons To Love Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A delightful twist on traditional side dishes that transforms humble carrots into a luxurious, creamy souffle that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Cooking Complexity: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic kitchen techniques and minimal specialized equipment, making it approachable and stress-free.
• Nutritious and Delicious Fusion: Packed with vitamin-rich carrots and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, this dish cleverly sneaks healthy vegetables into a crowd-pleasing recipe that kids and adults will love.
• Versatile Celebration Dish: Elegant enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for weeknight dinners, this carrot souffle bridges the gap between fancy and familiar, making it a go-to recipe for multiple occasions.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.

• Pasta: Classic Italian pasta that provides the foundation for this hearty meal.

• Marsala Wine, Chicken Broth: Provide rich, complex flavor and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a pungent and warm taste to the dish.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious texture for the pasta sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the pasta.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide richness and help develop golden color for the chicken and create a flavorful base for the sauce.

• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds texture and depth to the pasta dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Marsala Pasta Cooking

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Use the same skillet to cook the mushrooms.

Sauté until they release their juices and become tender. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Splash in the Marsala

Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce, letting the alcohol evaporate.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water to help it coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Helpful Tips To Perfect Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Choose a high-quality sweet Marsala wine for richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Keep sauce at a gentle simmer when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious texture throughout cooking.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand without becoming too dry or sticky.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking mushrooms to ensure they brown properly and develop deep, concentrated umami notes instead of steaming.

Creative Twists To Try With Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, cubed and pan-fried until crispy. 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 flour. Use gluten-free flour to dust chicken before cooking to maintain crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower as a base and top with Marsala sauce and mushrooms for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Best Pairings To Serve With Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the rich chicken and mushroom flavors.
• Create Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare a crunchy, buttery side with fresh parsley, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to enhance the pasta's earthy undertones and provide textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and add a bright, peppery element that cleanses the palate.

Tips To Store Chicken Marsala Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is Marsala wine, and why is it important in this recipe?

Marsala wine is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy, that adds a rich, sweet-savory flavor to the sauce. It provides depth and complexity, creating a signature taste in this creamy chicken dish.

• Can I substitute Marsala wine if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use dry sherry, Madeira wine, or a combination of white wine and brandy as alternatives. Each substitute will slightly change the flavor profile, but will still provide a delicious sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears golden brown. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas when cut.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Chicken Marsala Pasta weaves Italian culinary magic into a comforting one-pan meal that blends rich wine-infused sauce with tender chicken and perfectly al dente pasta. Savory mushrooms and a silky cream sauce invite you to savor each luxurious, flavor-packed bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound pasta (shells, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

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

Cooking Fats and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

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Instructions

1. Heat salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package instructions. Drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté mushroom slices until they release moisture and become soft, around 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance aromatic qualities.
4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring Marsala wine, carefully scraping accumulated browned bits from the pan’s surface. Allow wine to reduce and alcohol to evaporate for 2-3 minutes.
5. Introduce chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, blending ingredients thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
7. Gently fold drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring even coating. If needed, incorporate small amounts of reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and maintains the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify that Marsala wine is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, which reduces calories without sacrificing the sauce’s luxurious feel.
• Toast mushrooms separately to enhance their umami flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy, ensuring a more intense, concentrated taste in the final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 646 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 494 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 99 mg