Chicken Marsala Pasta with Mushrooms

Chicken Marsala Pasta with Mushrooms is a rich and elegant dish inspired by the classic Italian-American favorite, Chicken Marsala. This recipe combines tender slices of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a silky Marsala wine sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The result is a comforting yet sophisticated meal that feels restaurant-quality but can be prepared easily at home.

The Marsala wine creates a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the mushrooms add a savory earthiness that perfectly complements the chicken. Paired with pasta, the sauce clings beautifully to every strand, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for your family, hosting a special dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this dish delivers warmth, richness, and comfort in every serving.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Marsala sauce is luxurious without being overly heavy, and the mushrooms add depth that elevates the entire dish. It feels fancy yet approachable, and the entire meal cooks in a single pan plus the pasta pot. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a weeknight but also serve proudly on special occasions.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it blends easy preparation with impressive flavor. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and adaptable. The combination of Marsala wine, sautéed chicken, and mushrooms makes it incredibly aromatic and satisfying. The sauce coats the pasta beautifully, making this dish stand out from ordinary pasta recipes. If you enjoy creamy, savory, restaurant-style dishes, this one deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : 25 minutes

Total Time : 45 minutes

Servings : 4 servings

Calories : Approximately 580 calories per serving

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Italian-American

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
• 1 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Dredge chicken strips in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until golden.
6. Add garlic and Italian seasoning.
7. Pour in the Marsala wine and simmer to reduce slightly.
8. Add chicken broth and simmer until sauce thickens.
9. Stir in heavy cream and return chicken to the skillet.
10. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
11. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Slice chicken into thin strips. Season flour with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour to lightly coat.
3. Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms. Cook for 5–6 minutes until they release moisture and become brown.
5. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stir for 1 minute.
6. Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce.
7. Add chicken broth and continue simmering until the sauce thickens.
8. Stir in heavy cream and mix gently.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.
10. Add the cooked pasta and toss to fully combine with the sauce.
11. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Chicken Marsala Pasta with Mushrooms hot, straight from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Pair it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread
• A fresh green salad
• Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach

It also goes well with sparkling water, white wine, or iced tea.

Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality Marsala wine for the best flavor.
• Sweet Marsala wine gives a richer flavor, while dry Marsala gives a more savory finish.
• Slice chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Avoid overcrowding the mushrooms; cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
• Add extra cream for a richer, silkier sauce.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Variations

Creamy Marsala Pasta

Add an additional 1/2 cup of cream for an extra luxurious sauce.

Marsala Chicken Alfredo

Replace chicken broth with Alfredo sauce for a richer, creamier dish.

Veggie Marsala Pasta

Add spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Dairy-Free Variation

Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Replace butter with olive oil.

Spicy Marsala Pasta

Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili for heat.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Let the pasta cool completely.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to restore texture.

Reheating

• Microwave on medium heat for 2–3 minutes.
• Or reheat on the stove with added liquid to keep the sauce creamy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala Pasta with Mushrooms is a comforting, flavorful, and elegant dish that brings the warmth of classic Chicken Marsala together with the heartiness of pasta. Its rich wine-infused sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms make it a dish worth savoring. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and easy preparation. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, creamy, and unforgettable pasta dish.