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Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

This Chicken Marsala Pasta is a delightful fusion of tender chicken pieces and earthy cremini mushrooms simmered in a rich and creamy Marsala wine sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and elegant dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

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 and Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Season with garlic powder, then dredge in flour to coat evenly.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  4. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until their released moisture evaporates and they are tender. Remove them from the skillet and place them with the chicken.
  5. Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth, Marsala wine, and Dijon mustard into the skillet. Stir or whisk to dissolve the mustard and bring to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Add Cream, Chicken, and Mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream followed by the chicken and mushrooms. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Season and Combine: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, adding a little pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use pancetta or bacon for an added smoky flavor.
  • If Marsala wine is unavailable, dry sherry or white wine can be a substitute.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the initial step, as it finishes cooking in the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives can be used for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Marsala, pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, mushroom sauce, Italian comfort food