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Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Tender chicken, mushrooms, and penne in a rich Marsala cream sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Chicken:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound chicken thighs boneless and skinless cut into bite size pieces
  • Salt and pepper
For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 pound white mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup Marsala wine
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
For Finishing:
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside. Save a little pasta water in case you need it later.
  2. Season and Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Build the Flavor Base: Add chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook until soft and translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden.
  4. Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in Marsala wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced. This step deepens the flavor.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a soft simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
  6. Bring Everything Together: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Finish and Rest: Sprinkle parsley over the top. Let the pasta rest a few minutes so the sauce settles and thickens naturally.