Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta – A Rich and Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

Bylina

Looking for a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to pull together on a weeknight? Meet your new favorite: Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta. This dish combines the rich, earthy flavor of Marsala wine with tender chicken, hearty mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta—all wrapped in a velvety cream sauce that clings to every bite.

It’s everything you love about classic Chicken Marsala, turned into a cozy, one-pan pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to treat yourself, this is the kind of comfort food that satisfies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta a dinner winner:

  • 🍷 Rich, savory flavor from Marsala wine and garlic-sautéed mushrooms
  • 🍝 Complete meal in one pan – fewer dishes, more deliciousness
  • 🧄 Creamy, luxurious sauce that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro
  • ⏱️ Weeknight-friendly – ready in under 40 minutes
  • 🔁 Versatile and easy to customize

What Is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish made with sautéed chicken breasts, mushrooms, and Marsala wine. The wine gives it a slightly sweet, deep flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream and savory ingredients. Traditionally served with potatoes or over noodles, this pasta version makes the sauce the star and ensures every forkful is packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but the result is anything but ordinary:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin or pounded)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour. This helps give it a nice crust and thickens the sauce later.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same pan, add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until they release moisture and begin to brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the Marsala wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where the flavor lives!). Simmer for about 3–4 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and the wine reduce slightly.

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in Parmesan and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it warm through in the sauce for a few minutes. Add in the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat everything. If the sauce is too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan, then serve hot. A side of crusty bread or a green salad is perfect for rounding out the meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala Pasta

  • Use sweet Marsala wine for a deeper, richer flavor. Dry Marsala works too, but it’s more savory.
  • Don’t skip dredging the chicken—it helps thicken the sauce and adds flavor.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten things up.
  • Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and taste—avoid the pre-grated kind in a can.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Try these twists:

🥬 Add Veggies

Toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas for color and nutrition.

🐔 Use Chicken Thighs

For more flavor and juiciness, boneless thighs are a great substitute.

🧄 Go Extra Garlic

If you’re a garlic lover, double the amount or roast it first for a sweet depth.

🥛 Make It Lighter

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce won’t be as rich but still delicious.

🧀 Add Cheese on Top

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère over the top and broil for a cheesy crust.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Here are a few side dishes that pair beautifully:

  • 🥗 Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • 🥖 Garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce
  • 🥦 Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
  • 🍷 Glass of Marsala or Chardonnay for the full restaurant experience

How to Store and Reheat

🧊 Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating Tips

Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this without wine?
A: You can substitute Marsala wine with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice, but the authentic flavor comes from the wine.

Q: Is Marsala wine alcoholic?
A: Yes, but the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind only the flavor. If you’re avoiding alcohol entirely, use the substitution above.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and make sure your flour is gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is one of those dishes that feels indulgent, yet is surprisingly simple to pull off. The combination of rich wine sauce, tender chicken, mushrooms, and pasta is soul-satisfying and elegant enough for guests—but easy enough for any night of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, your date, or just yourself, this meal will leave everyone feeling full, happy, and asking for seconds.