Name: Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz uncooked penne pasta; 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed; 3 tablespoons flour, divided; 0.75 tsp kosher salt, divided; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Olive oil spray, as needed; 1 shallot, thinly sliced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup Marsala wine; 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup skim milk (or almond/cashew milk as substitute); 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

If you love comforting pasta dishes that bring a little Italian restaurant magic right to your own kitchen, you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious Marsala wine sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The cream cheese adds an unexpected but fabulous richness to the sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Stick with me—the way this dish turns out is totally fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks so you can nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: Thanks to the cream cheese and milk combo, the sauce is silky without being heavy.
Easy Weeknight Favourite: It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect when you want something tasty fast.
Comfort in Every Bite: Juicy chicken pieces coated in a sweet Marsala wine and mushroom sauce – pure comfort food.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap ingredients or add your own twist with ease.

The image shows two white plates filled with creamy pasta. Each plate holds a mix of penne pasta coated in a light brown creamy sauce, with pieces of sliced mushrooms and small chunks of chicken mixed in. The dish is topped with fresh green parsley leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper, adding color contrast. One plate has a silver fork partially inserted into the pasta on the right side, and the background features a white marbled surface. Part of a black pan with more pasta is visible at the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta, Chicken Marsala pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star players of this dish work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Plus, many are easy to find either at your local grocery store or already in your pantry. A quick tip: fresh mushrooms make all the difference here, but if you have to use pre-sliced from a package, just make sure they’re firm and not slimy.

Flat lay of cubed raw chicken breast pieces, a small pile of white all-purpose flour, cracked black peppercorns scattered nearby, a smooth shallot sliced thinly, several whole brown mushrooms sliced, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with amber Marsala wine, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy skim milk, two tablespoons of soft white cream cheese, uncooked pale yellow penne pasta arranged neatly, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley placed delicately, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta, Chicken Marsala pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dish

Pasta: Penne or any tubular pasta works great because it holds the creamy sauce nicely.
Chicken breast: Use fresh and trim off excess fat for easier cubing and even cooking.
Flour: Helps to create a light coating on the chicken for that golden crust and thickens the sauce.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Seasoning is key—kosher salt dissolves well without overpowering.
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and delicate onion flavor without being overpowering.
Mushrooms: Fresh white or cremini, sliced; they soak up all the great Marsala flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced gives a wonderful aromatic depth.
Marsala wine: The star ingredient for that signature sweet and earthy flavor.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Balances the wine and helps build the sauce body.
Skim milk (or almond/cashew milk): Lightens the creaminess without heaviness, plus works with flour for sauce thickening.
Reduced fat cream cheese: A secret weapon for a velvety, dreamy sauce texture.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe simple but sometimes I add my own twists depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. You can easily tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs, and it still turns out fantastic. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Vegetable Boost: I once tossed in some baby spinach just before adding cream cheese—it wilted down perfectly and added a pop of color and nutrients.
Dairy-Free Option: Swapping cream cheese for a vegan alternative and using almond milk keeps it creamy without the dairy.
Mushroom Mix: Use a mix of wild mushrooms if you can find them, like shiitake or oyster, for a deeper earthy flavor.
Spice Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with garlic if you want a little warmth in the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Chicken

Begin by weighing out 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, like penne. The first time I made this, I underestimated the pasta, so weighing it really helped keep portions just right. Boil plenty of salted water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, cube your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a mix of flour, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. That little flour coating helps give the chicken a nice crust and acts as a thickener later for the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Batches

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and spray generously with olive oil. You want a hot pan to get that golden crust. Add half the chicken without overcrowding and sear it for about five minutes total, turning so all sides brown. Remember, it won’t be fully cooked yet, just beautifully golden — that crust adds so much flavor. Set it aside on a plate and repeat with the rest of the chicken. Trust me, rushing this step by adding too much at once will steam the chicken instead of searing it.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms, Shallots, and Garlic

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and toss in sliced mushrooms and thinly sliced shallots along with salt and pepper. Sauté them for around 5 minutes until they get soft and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and cook just another minute—it burns quickly, so stay close! This combination builds the deep flavor base for your sauce, and I’ve found the shallots add a nice subtle sweetness compared to regular onions.

Step 4: Create the Marsala Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of Marsala wine and 1 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the pan’s bottom—that’s pure flavor gold. Let the liquid come to a boil, then add the partially cooked chicken back in. Stir gently and let everything simmer for 10 minutes. This step finishes cooking the chicken and softens the sauce.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Toss With Pasta

While the sauce simmers, whisk together skim milk and the remaining tablespoon of flour in a small cup until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan, then add 2 tablespoons of reduced fat cream cheese. Whisk constantly to combine everything into a smooth, rich sauce. Finally, add your cooked pasta and toss it all together. Let it cook 1-2 minutes more so the pasta absorbs that delicious creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I love this step because it’s the moment everything comes together into one dish that tastes like a total winner.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing chicken in batches ensures even browning and locks in juices.
Use a Wooden Spoon: Scraping up those browned bits after adding wine is the secret flavor bomb.
Whisk Milk and Flour First: Avoid lumps by mixing these before pouring into the sauce.
Taste Before Adding Salt: The broth and Marsala add saltiness, so adjust seasoning at the end to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe

A white plate holds creamy pasta made of penne noodles mixed with pieces of cooked chicken and sliced mushrooms. The pasta and chicken are coated with a light beige creamy sauce, giving a smooth texture. The mushrooms are brown with soft white inside visible, placed evenly throughout. Green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh color contrast, and there are small bits of red pepper flakes and black pepper scattered over the dish. A silver fork is partly stuck into the pasta on the right side, resting on the plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta, Chicken Marsala pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken pasta recipe, quick chicken pasta dish

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving—it adds a wonderful bright note and a gorgeous pop of color. Sometimes I add just a little grated Parmesan if I want extra cheesiness, but the sauce is rich enough on its own. A crack of fresh black pepper over the top rounds things out nicely, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so flavorful and satisfying that it actually works well as a one-pot meal, but if you want to round it out, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus is perfect. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs beautifully and lets you mop up every last bit of that amazing sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for company, I like to plate it with a little extra sauce spooned over the top, garnished with finely chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan. You can even use small ramekins to serve individual portions with a sprinkle of herbs on top for an elegant touch. It’s an impressive dish that still feels cozy and homey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The pasta can soak up the sauce a bit in the fridge, so it might look a little dry at first, but a quick reheat with a splash of broth or milk brings it back perfectly.

Freezing

While I don’t often freeze creamy pasta dishes because the texture can change, I have frozen this one when in a pinch. Freeze in a shallow container and thaw in the fridge overnight. Just be aware that the sauce might separate slightly and will need gentle reheating and stirring.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and to help it heat evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce grainy or dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While I use penne because it holds onto the sauce beautifully, you can swap in fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose.
What can I substitute for Marsala wine if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, dry sherry or a sweet white wine can work as substitutes. Just avoid anything too bold or heavy, as it might overpower the delicate balance of flavors.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! I like to portion it into single servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just keep in mind that reheating gently preserves the creamy texture best.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use almond or cashew milk instead of skim milk. The sauce will still come together creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe turns out every time I make it. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that’s both comforting and a little fancy without much fuss. The blend of the sweet Marsala, savory mushrooms, tender chicken, and creamy sauce is like a warm hug for your taste buds. If you decide to try it, I bet your family will go crazy for it, just like mine does. Give it a shot—you’ll be so glad you did!