Chicken Marsala Fettuccini is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines the classic Italian flavors of chicken marsala with creamy fettuccini. Tender, pan-seared chicken is cooked in a savory Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, then tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccini for a comforting and indulgent meal.
This easy-to-make dish feels elegant and is perfect for a romantic dinner or a weeknight treat. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet wine, and creamy sauce makes this one-pan pasta dish irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Savory – Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and cream
- Hearty & Filling – Chicken and fettuccini in every bite
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup
- Restaurant-Quality – Perfect for special occasions or dinner parties
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes
- Family-Friendly – Loved by all ages
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- 8 oz fettuccini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Fettuccini
Cook fettuccini according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Marsala Sauce
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until soft and browned, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce has reduced by half.
4. Add Cream & Butter
Stir in heavy cream and butter, simmering until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine the Pasta & Chicken
Add the cooked fettuccini and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Let everything heat through, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
Serve hot.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve pasta with a generous portion of chicken and sauce.
Garnish with parsley and parmesan.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat in the microwave or stovetop
- Serve over rice or with a side of greens
Beverage Pairing:
- Dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
- Sparkling water with lemon
Additional Tips
- Use a dry Marsala wine for the best flavor balance
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Add spinach or peas for extra vegetables
Variations
- Mushroom-less: Omit mushrooms and use more chicken or vegetables
- Lighter Version: Use skim milk or light cream instead of heavy cream
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Extra Flavor: Stir in a bit of garlic powder and onion powder to the sauce
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months (before adding the cream)
Reheat: Stovetop with extra broth or water
Special Equipment
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and add extra flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Combine everything before serving.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well.
What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
You can substitute with another fortified wine, such as sherry, or use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Conclusion
Chicken Marsala Fettuccini is a rich, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Marsala sauce makes this pasta dish feel indulgent without being difficult to make. Serve it with a simple salad or bread, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal.
