Chicken Marsala Pasta – This Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe is designed to be simple yet flavorful, with ingredients you likely have on hand. The dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
What is Chicken Marsala?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s cover the basics. Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian-American dish that combines lightly floured chicken cutlets with a sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, and cream. The Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, is what gives the dish its unique, slightly sweet, and rich flavor.
When you add pasta to this already delicious meal, you end up with a complete, satisfying dish that can easily become a household favorite.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Marsala Pasta
- Choose the Right Wine: Use dry Marsala wine, as sweet varieties can overpower the dish. This wine is the key ingredient, so investing in a quality bottle will enhance the flavor.
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente so it retains some bite and doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Brown the Chicken: To maximize flavor, make sure the chicken gets a nice golden sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow the chicken to brown evenly.
- Creamy Sauce: For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cream and wine for longer. If you want an even richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter toward the end.
- Add Vegetables: Want to boost the nutrition? Try adding spinach or peas for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of wine instead of Marsala?
A: While Marsala wine is traditional and gives the dish its unique flavor, you can substitute it with sherry or a dry white wine in a pinch. However, it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Q: What pasta works best for this dish?
A: Fettuccine or linguine works beautifully with this creamy sauce, but penne or rigatoni are also great choices, especially if you prefer a shorter pasta that catches more sauce in each bite.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then combine everything when ready to serve. Just be sure to store the components separately to avoid the pasta soaking up too much sauce.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free to make this dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even tofu. The Marsala sauce pairs wonderfully with plant-based alternatives.
- Lighter Version: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream option. You can also use whole wheat pasta for an extra boost of fiber.
- Cheesy Upgrade: For extra decadence, stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese along with the Parmesan.
How to Serve Chicken Marsala Pasta
Chicken Marsala Pasta is a hearty and satisfying main dish, so it pairs well with simple sides that won’t overpower the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that helps soak up all that delicious Marsala sauce.
- Green Salad: Keep things light with a fresh, crisp salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy side and a pop of color to the plate.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Marsala Pasta
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats well!
How to Store:
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, cook fresh pasta and toss everything together.
How to Reheat:
- On the Stovetop: Heat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms up.
- In the Microwave: You can also microwave individual portions. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Chicken Marsala Pasta (Best)
Chicken Marsala Pasta - This Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe is designed to be simple yet flavorful, with ingredients you likely have on hand. The dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- Flour for dredging
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Marsala wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with garlic powder, and coat lightly in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their water and brown slightly. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the Marsala wine, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Finish the Dish: Add the cream, chicken, and mushrooms back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- Toss and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then toss the cooked pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Pro Tip: Add a side of garlic bread or a light salad to complete the meal, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in no time!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 520Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 102mgSodium 514mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 28g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish with an elegant twist. With its savory mushrooms, flavorful Marsala wine sauce, and tender chicken, this meal is sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of rich flavors and creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, and with the tips and variations provided, you can customize it to suit any dietary preference.
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