Imagine a dish that brings together the rich, comforting flavors of Italian chicken marsala with the satisfying heartiness of pasta in every bite. This Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe is a celebration of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxuriously creamy marsala sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for cozy dinners that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role, lending layers of flavor, texture, and color to make the dish sing. From the earthy cremini mushrooms to the silky cream and savory chicken, these essentials come together easily and deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite type to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of fruity richness for sautéing the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): Creates that luscious, velvety base for cooking mushrooms and building the sauce.
- 2 chicken breasts: Tender, protein-packed star of the dish, cut into bite-size pieces.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the chicken with a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a delicate crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms add depth and texture.
- 1/2 cup marsala wine: The signature ingredient providing a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that defines this dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Balances the sweetness with a bit of tang and sharpness.
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring every flavor into harmony.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste): Adds a nutty, salty finish when sprinkled just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water to perfection. Cooking your pasta al dente creates the ideal texture to complement the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Follow your pasta’s package directions closely because timing matters when every bite counts.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder for that subtle garlic warmth, then gently dredge them in flour. This coating develops a light crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce later, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 minutes, turning with tongs so each side acquires a golden, slightly crispy surface. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked now; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest briefly.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the cremini mushrooms and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice they release their moisture—it’s important to let this water evaporate a bit to concentrate their rich, earthy flavor. Once done, set the mushrooms aside with the chicken.
Step 5: Build the Marsala Sauce
Deglaze the skillet by adding chicken broth, marsala wine, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until the mustard dissolves. Let the mixture bubble gently for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly to intensify the sauce’s flavor.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce with Cream and Chicken
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through, coating every morsel in that incredible creamy marsala goodness.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta thoroughly and toss it with your rich marsala sauce. If the sauce seems a bit thick, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water loosens it nicely for perfect coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then finish with freshly grated parmesan if you like for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Don’t skip the optional parmesan cheese on top—a little goes a long way in enhancing the savory depth of this dish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that divine sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add brightness and texture for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s creamy texture and vibrant mushrooms nestled among the chicken pieces. For a dinner party, drizzle a little extra marsala reduction over the top and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
Although the creamy sauce can separate slightly upon freezing, you can freeze the chicken and mushrooms with sauce separately from the pasta. This preserves the best texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible for best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms in this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms provide great earthiness, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking time if using larger mushrooms.
Is marsala wine essential, or can I substitute it?
Marsala wine is key to the signature flavor of this dish. However, dry sherry or a sweet vermouth can work in a pinch. Avoid using cooking wines with added salt and preservatives for the best taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour used for dredging with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cooking it quickly at medium-high heat helps lock in moisture. Avoid overcooking during the initial browning, since it finishes cooking in the sauce, which gently tenderizes it further.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas make wonderful additions. Add them towards the end of cooking to keep their freshness and texture without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that balances indulgence with comfort, then dive into this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that’s easy enough to whip up any night but delicious enough to savor and share with loved ones. Once you taste the creamy marsala sauce enveloping tender chicken and pasta, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be recommending it to friends in no time!
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Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Chicken Marsala Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with savory mushrooms and creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. This easy and flavorful recipe brings an Italian classic to your dinner table with a comforting pasta twist, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken and Coating
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour (for dredging)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle with garlic powder and dredge evenly in flour to coat.
- Heat the pan: Warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook chicken: Add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet and cook about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3-4 minutes, letting them release moisture and cook down slightly. Remove mushrooms and place beside chicken.
- Make the sauce base: Pour chicken broth, Marsala wine, and Dijon mustard into the skillet, whisking well until mustard dissolves. Let the mixture bubble for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Add the cream, cooked chicken, and mushrooms to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Season and combine: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sauce mixture. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use cremini mushrooms for a deep, earthy flavor, but button mushrooms work as well.
- If you don’t have Marsala wine, a dry sherry or sweet white wine can be a substitute.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- To ensure chicken is fully cooked, cut thicker breast pieces into uniform smaller pieces.
