Quick & Zesty Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe to Wow Your Guests

Whipping up a delightful chicken marsala pasta brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen table.

Succulent chicken breasts mingle with earthy mushrooms in a rich, velvety wine sauce that promises pure comfort.

Italian traditions inspire this one-pan wonder, blending classic flavors with modern ease.

Professional chefs might guard their secrets, but this recipe welcomes you into a world of culinary delight.

Creamy, savory notes dance across each perfectly twirled forkful, making dinner feel like a celebration.

Weeknight meals never looked so impressive or tasted so incredible.

Let’s uncover the simple steps that turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Best Practices to Store Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate the pasta and sauce to prevent soggy noodles and maintain better texture.
• Transfer to a shallow, wide container to help cool the dish quickly and safely.

FAQs

• What makes Marsala sauce unique?

Marsala sauce is a rich, flavorful sauce originating from Sicily, Italy, known for its deep, complex taste from Marsala wine, which provides a sweet and slightly nutty profile.

• Can I use a different type of wine?

While Marsala wine is traditional, you can substitute with dry sherry or white wine, though the authentic flavor will be slightly different.

• Is this dish considered Italian-American?

Yes, Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American recipe that combines traditional Italian cooking techniques with American ingredients and preferences.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value, or use whole wheat pasta for more fiber and nutrients.

Why Chicken Marsala Pasta Captivates the Palate

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for different palates.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Even beginner cooks can master this delicious chicken pasta dish with straightforward cooking steps and basic techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, saving precious time and reducing dish-washing hassle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and tender chicken, this pasta creates an instant hit for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients That Bring Chicken Marsala Pasta to Life

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main body and flavor for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley: Aromatic herbs that add depth and earthy notes to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a final touch of color.

• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that provide texture and rich umami flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps create the sauce's depth and consistency.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy ingredient that gives the sauce a smooth and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, sharp cheese that adds richness and complexity to the final dish.

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the flavorful sauce and completes the meal.

Preparing Chicken Marsala Pasta with Precision

Step 1: Spice Up The Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and generously sprinkle salt and black pepper all over them, ensuring each piece gets a delicious seasoning coating.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and cook until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Saute The Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook the onions until they become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce The Mushrooms

Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they become soft and release their delicious earthy flavors, around 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Create The Marsala Sauce Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble and reduce slightly for 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Enrich The Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, creating a luxurious and creamy consistency.

Step 7: Prepare The Pasta

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 8: Combine And Coat

Return the golden chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the rich sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and cooked pasta, mixing everything together until well combined.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper to suit your preference.

Step 10: Serve And Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve the Chicken Marsala Pasta immediately while it’s hot and inviting.

Insider Secrets to Perfect Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to boost flavor and moisture. The darker meat adds richness and stays more tender during cooking.
• Keep mushrooms dry before sautéing to ensure perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent soggy texture.
• Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, helping maintain ideal pasta texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor complexity compared to pre-packaged alternatives. Grating creates more intense cheese notes that melt smoothly into the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

Creative Takes on Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Vegetarian Marsala Pasta: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, pan-seared until crispy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Variation: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a healthier, lower-fat alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap dried herbs for fresh oregano, and include sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Dishes That Go Well with Chicken Marsala Pasta

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this Chicken Marsala Pasta as a comforting main course with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the pasta in shallow white bowls, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and pair with a chilled glass of white wine to elevate the dining experience for guests.
• Lunch Leftovers Transformation: Pack the pasta in airtight containers for a delicious next-day lunch, adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese to refresh the flavors when reheating.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prep ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for a fast 20-minute cooking process when you're short on time but craving a delicious home-cooked meal.

Simple Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade chicken marsala pasta delivers rich Italian-American comfort on one delightful plate. Wine-kissed mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a memorable meal for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Produce:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Pantry and Dairy:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or your preferred pasta
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper across chicken pieces to ensure comprehensive seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, searing chicken until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the identical skillet, introduce remaining olive oil and caramelize onions until translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
4. Introduce sliced mushrooms, allowing them to soften and release moisture, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they develop a rich, caramelized texture.
5. Cascade chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer and reducing for 5-6 minutes to concentrate flavors.
6. Blend heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried parsley into the sauce, simmering 3-4 minutes until the mixture transforms into a velvety consistency.
7. Simultaneously, prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
8. Reintegrate cooked chicken into the skillet, thoroughly coating with the luxurious sauce. Fold in Parmesan cheese and prepared pasta, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
9. Taste and calibrate seasonings, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish and serve immediately for optimal temperature and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is patted dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Choose cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a richer, more robust earthy taste that complements the Marsala sauce beautifully.
• If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken without altering the flavor.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for a personalized nutritional twist that doesn’t compromise taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 586 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg