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Chicken Marsala Pasta

Chicken Marsala Pasta

Chicken Marsala Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan dish offers a gourmet taste with minimal effort, ideal for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Starches

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Fats & Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and tender. Then add the minced garlic and shallots, stirring until fragrant.
  4. Brown the Chicken: Push mushrooms to the side of the skillet and add chicken pieces. Sear on both sides until lightly golden but not fully cooked through.
  5. Deglaze and Make the Sauce: Pour Marsala wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly, then add chicken broth and cream. Stir and let the sauce thicken gently.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve better sear and caramelization.
  • Use a mid-range quality Marsala wine for best flavor depth.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta evenly.
  • Add fresh parsley at the end for best flavor and bright color.
  • Vegetarian option: replace chicken with tofu or more mushrooms.
  • Gluten-free option: use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is gluten-free.
  • For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Marsala Pasta, pasta recipe, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, creamy pasta, Marsala wine sauce