Nothing beats the comfort of a perfectly prepared Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table. This incredible dish combines tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, and a rich marsala wine sauce that creates pure magic in every bite.
As someone who's been perfecting this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe for years, I can tell you that this version delivers everything you want in comfort food. The creamy marsala sauce coats each strand of pasta beautifully, while the perfectly seasoned chicken and mushrooms create a harmony of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds every single time.
Why This Italian Comfort Food Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
This particular Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe stands out because it delivers authentic Italian flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet marsala wine, savory mushrooms, and tender chicken creates a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to master at home.
What makes this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe truly special is how the marsala wine reduces into a velvety sauce that perfectly balances richness with depth. The mushrooms add an earthy undertone that complements the chicken beautifully, while the pasta serves as the perfect canvas for these incredible flavors. This dish has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen because it feels fancy enough for guests yet easy enough for busy family dinners.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fettuccine or penne pasta
- Cremini mushrooms, sliced thick
- Sweet marsala wine
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
Seasonings & Aromatics
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
Optional Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides
- Slice mushrooms into thick pieces (about ¼ inch) so they hold their shape during cooking
- Mince garlic and dice onion, keeping them separate for proper timing
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta
Cook the Chicken to Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding
- Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing golden-brown crust to form
- Flip chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through
- Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
Build the Marsala Sauce Base
- Add butter to the same skillet with chicken drippings
- Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and moisture evaporates
- Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan
Complete the Creamy Sauce
- Toss everything together with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs
- Let marsala wine simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
- Drain pasta and add directly to skillet with sauce
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control Secrets
- Getting the perfect sear on your chicken requires proper heat management. Start with medium-high heat for the initial sear, then reduce to medium when building your sauce. This prevents the garlic from burning while allowing the marsala wine to reduce properly.
Wine Selection Matters
- Sweet marsala wine creates the most authentic flavor profile for this dish. Dry marsala works too, but you may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Never substitute cooking wine; the quality of your marsala directly impacts the final taste.
Mushroom Preparation Tips
- Don't wash mushrooms; simply wipe them clean with a damp paper towel
- Cut mushrooms into uniform pieces for even cooking
- Allow mushrooms to cook undisturbed initially to develop golden color
- Season mushrooms with salt after they release their moisture
Pasta Timing Strategy
- Start your pasta water when you begin cooking the chicken. This timing ensures your pasta finishes cooking just as your sauce comes together, preventing overcooking and maintaining the perfect texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Protein Alternatives
- This versatile recipe works beautifully with different proteins. Substitute chicken with pork tenderloin cut into medallions, or use boneless chicken thighs for extra richness. Shrimp makes an elegant alternative; just reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side.
Dairy-Free Modifications
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour whisked in. These alternatives maintain creaminess while reducing calories.
Pasta Shape Options
- While fettuccine is traditional, this sauce pairs wonderfully with penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi. Short pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce better, while long pasta creates an elegant presentation.
Mushroom Varieties
- Experiment with different mushroom combinations. Baby bella, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms each bring unique flavors. A mix of mushrooms creates more complex taste and interesting texture variations.
Wine-Free Version
- For alcohol-free cooking, substitute marsala wine with chicken broth mixed with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of brown sugar. This combination mimics the sweet-tangy flavor profile of marsala.
Equipment Recommendations
- Large Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A 12-inch skillet provides enough surface area for proper chicken searing and sauce development
- Large Pasta Pot: Essential for cooking pasta with plenty of room to move freely
- Sharp Chef's Knife: Makes quick work of chicken, mushrooms, and aromatics
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for deglazing and stirring without scratching your pan
- Fine-Mesh Colander: Ensures proper pasta draining without losing smaller pasta shapes
- Measuring Cups: Accuracy matters when building the perfect marsala sauce balance
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The cream sauce may thicken upon cooling, which is completely normal. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the original consistency.
Freezing Instructions
- This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into family-sized containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop with additional liquid as needed.
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prepare the chicken and mushroom base up to 24 hours ahead, then reheat and add cream when ready to serve. Cook pasta fresh for best texture, as reheated pasta can become mushy.
Reheating Best Practices
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently and adding liquid gradually. Microwave reheating works but requires frequent stirring and lower power settings to prevent cream separation.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The secret that transformed my ordinary Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe into an extraordinary restaurant-quality dish came from my Italian grandmother’s wisdom. She always reminded me that the true flavor of a Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe comes from letting the marsala wine reduce completely before adding cream. This step allows the alcohol to cook off while concentrating those deep, rich flavors that make a Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe truly special.
Her second game-changing tip was saving a cup of starchy pasta water. Adding just a few tablespoons of this liquid gold to your Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe creates the silkiest sauce texture imaginable. The starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving your Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe a creamy, luxurious consistency. These simple tricks take an average dish and turn it into a Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe that your family will ask for again and again.
FAQ
What kind of pasta for Chicken Marsala?
Fettuccine is the classic choice for this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne, rigatoni, or pappardelle also work wonderfully as their shapes trap the sauce effectively.
What is traditionally served with Chicken Marsala?
Traditional Chicken Marsala pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Green vegetables like asparagus or green beans complement the rich flavors, while a simple Caesar salad provides fresh contrast to this hearty dish.
What is Chicken Marsala sauce made of?
The authentic sauce combines sweet marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, cream, and chicken stock. This Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe creates a velvety sauce where the wine reduces to concentrate flavors while cream adds luxurious richness.
What's the secret to flavorful Chicken Marsala?
The key to exceptional flavor lies in proper browning of both chicken and mushrooms, using quality marsala wine, and allowing the wine to reduce completely before adding cream. These steps build layers of flavor that make the difference between good and extraordinary.
Perfect Pairings: More Italian Comfort Food
Now that you’ve mastered this incredible Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe, you’ll want to enjoy it again and again. This Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s the perfect example of how comfort food can feel both elegant and easy. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms make this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe a family favorite that never disappoints.
If you’re looking for more inspiration after trying this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe, explore other restaurant-quality dishes that deliver the same comfort and satisfaction. The rich, creamy flavors of this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe pair beautifully with lighter seafood recipes, fresh vegetables, or a crisp salad that balances the richness of the dish. Once you’ve experienced this Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Consider trying our Lemon Herb Shrimp Recipe for a bright, zesty appetizer that complements the deep marsala flavors perfectly. For those who love the crispy textures that contrast beautifully with creamy pasta, our Crispy Parmesan Salmon Bites Recipe offers the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness that makes any Italian-inspired meal complete.
With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson ✨
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large heavy-bottomed skillet 12-inch recommended
- 1 Large pasta pot For boiling pasta
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife For slicing chicken, mushrooms, onion
- 1 Wooden spoon For stirring and deglazing
- 1 Fine-mesh colander For draining pasta
- Set Measuring cups & spoons For accurate sauce balance
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz Fettuccine or penne pasta Cook until al dente
- 8 oz Cremini mushrooms Sliced thick
- ¾ cup Sweet marsala wine Reduces to make sauce
- 1 cup Heavy cream For creaminess
- ½ cup Chicken broth Adds depth
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- ½ large Onion Diced
- 2 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves Aromatic
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- Salt & black pepper To taste
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil For searing chicken
- 3 tablespoon Butter Adds richness
- Fresh parsley Optional garnish
- Red pepper flakes Optional garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt & pepper
- Heat oil in skillet, sear chicken 4–5 min each side
- Remove chicken, set aside
- Add butter, sauté onion until translucent
- Add mushrooms, cook until golden
- Stir in garlic & thyme briefly
- Deglaze with marsala wine, reduce by half
- Stir in broth & cream, simmer
- Return chicken, simmer 2–3 min
- Cook pasta al dente, drain
- Toss pasta with sauce & cheese
- Garnish with parsley & serve
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave a Reply