Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

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Welcome to your new favorite dinner! If you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet simple, this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta will have you swooning. Imagine the rich, savory taste of chicken simmered in a luscious Marsala wine sauce, mixed with pasta that soaks up all those mouth-watering flavors. It’s creamy, dreamy, and just the thing to elevate any night. Trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinners or that special meal to impress.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

This dish is all about comfort, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, the family, or hosting friends, it’s got you covered. Here’s why it’s bound to be your next go-to recipe:

Versatile

Whether you’re having a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this pasta dish shines. Picture yourself coming home after a long day, the smell of Marsala wine and garlic filling your kitchen as you whip this up in under an hour. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create an extraordinary meal. The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, like chicken, mushrooms, and pasta. It’s comforting, delicious, and doesn’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy

The recipe is as simple as it is delicious. With just a few steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in less than an hour. No complicated techniques here—just good food, made easy.

Customizable

Want to switch things up? Add a little heat with some red pepper flakes, or throw in a handful of spinach for some greens. The sauce is rich and adaptable, making it easy to tweak the flavors just how you like it.

Crowd-Pleasing

Creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying—this dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, pasta, and that velvety sauce that makes everyone at the table go, “Mmm!”

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this creamy pasta—it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. But when combined, they create something so comforting and flavorful. Let’s break it down:

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the stars here. They become tender and juicy as they soak up the savory Marsala sauce. So, so good.
  • Marsala Wine: The key to that rich, bold flavor. It adds a layer of depth that makes the sauce feel luxurious without being complicated.
  • Mushrooms: These earthy beauties add an extra layer of flavor and texture, soaking up all the sauce and giving you that perfect bite in every forkful.
  • Heavy Cream: The ingredient that makes this dish feel like a warm hug. It transforms the sauce into a silky, creamy dream.
  • Pasta: Use your favorite—fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Whatever you choose, the pasta will soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite irresistible.
  • Garlic and Onion: The essential base that gives the sauce its fragrant foundation. Aromatic and full of flavor.
  • Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper round everything out, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

(Note: Full measurements for these ingredients can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to dive in and make this creamy masterpiece? Here’s how:

Sauté the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry, the sauce is coming next, and it’ll pick up all those delicious bits left in the pan!

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until they’re softened and browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, which takes about 5 minutes.

Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. This is where the magic happens—you’re building that rich, creamy goodness.

Bring it All Together

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Stir in your cooked pasta and toss to coat in that luscious sauce. Let everything simmer for another minute or two to get everything nice and cozy together.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is beautifully combined, serve your creamy chicken Marsala pasta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and enjoy. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for the ultimate meal.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few sides that’ll take it to the next level:

  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
  • Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the extra sauce!
  • Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to bring in extra color and flavor.
  • Wine: Of course, you’ll want to enjoy this with a nice glass of wine. A crisp white or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors of the Marsala sauce perfectly.

Additional Tips

Want to make this dish even better? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Prep Ahead: You can chop the garlic, onions, and mushrooms the night before, so when it’s time to cook, everything’s ready to go.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’ll give the dish a subtle kick without overpowering the flavors.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: If you need to make this dish gluten-free, just swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It reheats beautifully—just add a splash of cream when warming up to keep it silky.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the Marsala wine?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute it with another sweet wine like sherry or port. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still taste amazing!

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then just combine and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: While this dish can be frozen, the cream may not reheat as smoothly as fresh. If you do freeze it, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: To reheat, just warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or water if needed to bring the sauce back to life.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just be sure to use a large enough pan to accommodate the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking times as needed.

Q7: What sides go best with this dish?
A7: Try pairing it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can’t go wrong!

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is everything you’ve been craving: rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will steal the show. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!

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Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

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This rich and creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is the perfect comfort food. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a silky Marsala wine sauce, it’s a dinner the whole family will love! Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley for a perfect finishing touch.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. For the Pasta:

    • 1 lb pasta (shells, penne, or your favorite shape)
    • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

    For the Chicken and Sauce:

    1. 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
    3. 2 tablespoons butter
    4. 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
    5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
    6. 1 teaspoon salt
    7. ½ teaspoon black pepper
    8. ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
    9. ¾ cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry)
    10. 1 cup chicken broth
    11. 1 cup heavy cream
    12. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    13. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Cook the Chicken:
    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and thyme, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Deglaze the Pan:
    Pour in the Marsala wine and cook, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

  • Prepare the Sauce:
    Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

  • Combine Everything:
    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any juices. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

  • Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

  • You can substitute the Marsala wine with white wine if needed, but Marsala is traditional for this dish.
  • For extra richness, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 630mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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