Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal with minimal clean-up? This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is not only simple but also full of flavor. Imagine tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and creamy sauce—all cooked together in one pot. I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring every bite leaves you craving more. Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive dish that your family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work wonderfully)
For this dish, you should start with chicken. I recommend using two boneless chicken breasts. Slice them into thin strips for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt and pepper for great flavor.
You need olive oil to sauté the chicken. I like using extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste. Next, add a medium yellow onion, finely diced. This brings a sweet, aromatic base to your dish. Don’t forget the garlic! Minced garlic adds depth and warmth. Lastly, use about eight ounces of mushrooms. Cremini or button mushrooms work best here. They bring a lovely earthiness to the dish.
Broth and Cream Components
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
For the broth, I always choose low-sodium chicken broth. It keeps the dish from being too salty. You will need one cup for cooking. Then comes the heavy cream. Use one cup of heavy cream to give the sauce its rich and creamy texture. This is what makes the dish feel luxurious.
Pasta Choice
– 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
I suggest using either fettuccine or penne pasta. Both types work well with the creamy sauce. The key is to cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Al dente pasta holds up in the sauce better and makes for a perfect dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This simple step adds great taste. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken strips. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. To check, cut a piece and ensure it’s no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Sautéing Vegetables
In the same pot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to become soft and translucent. After that, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes. This helps the mushrooms release their moisture and gain a lovely flavor. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Cooking the Pasta
Now, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step lifts all the tasty bits stuck to the pot. Next, add the pasta to the simmering broth. Stir it well to ensure all the pasta is submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
Final Mixing
Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, the cooked chicken, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix everything well. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken and coat the pasta nicely. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, remove the pot from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your delicious one-pot creamy chicken Marsala pasta!
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavor
To boost the taste of your one-pot creamy chicken Marsala pasta, consider adding fresh herbs. Thyme and parsley work well here. You can also try tarragon or rosemary for a different twist. These herbs add a fragrant touch that brightens the dish.
For creaminess, use heavy cream but don’t skip the sautéing step. Browning the garlic and onions builds layers of flavor. Stir in the cream slowly to mix well. This way, you ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Cooking Techniques
When sautéing, keep the heat at medium. This helps the chicken brown nicely without burning. Stir the chicken often to cook evenly. Once it’s golden, remove it from the pot.
For cooking pasta, follow the package time closely. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent clumping. Test a piece to ensure it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in the sauce.
Presentation Recommendations
Serve your pasta in warm bowls for a cozy feel. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for a pop of color. Grated Parmesan cheese is a must; it adds a salty, rich flavor.
For a complete meal, pair the pasta with garlic bread or a light salad. This adds texture and balances the creamy dish. You could also serve it with a glass of white wine for a touch of elegance.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change the protein in this dish. Try using turkey or even shrimp. Both options add a new twist. If you want a dairy-free meal, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice, creamy texture without the dairy.
Adding Vegetables
Seasonal veggies can enhance your dish. Consider adding spinach or zucchini for a fresh touch. You could also mix in some peas for color and sweetness. These additions make your meal more balanced and nutritious.
Flavor Profile Adjustments
To sweeten the sauce, switch the wine. Marsala wine works well, but you can try port or sherry too. For those who like heat, add red pepper flakes. This small change makes a big difference in flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One-Pot Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta fresh, use a tight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing any flavor.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth. This helps bring back the creaminess. Stir it gently until hot. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta. Fettuccine or penne works best, but spaghetti or rotini are also great. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Follow the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes. If you pick a smaller pasta, check for doneness a bit earlier.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep it fresh, store the pasta and sauce separately.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also look for clear juices when you cut it. If it’s still pink, it needs more time to cook. It’s important to ensure it’s fully cooked for safety.
Can I add wine to this recipe?
Yes, adding wine can enhance the flavor. Marsala wine is a great choice, as it complements the dish well. You could also use white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Just remember to let it simmer a bit to cook off the alcohol. This will deepen the sauce’s flavor.
This blog post covered a delicious dish made with sliced chicken breasts, rich cream, and your choice of pasta. We explored how to prepare and cook each ingredient step-by-step. I included tips for enhancing flavors and variations to suit your taste.
In the end, the key to a tasty meal lies in fresh ingredients and careful cooking. Whether you want to store leftovers or try new flavors, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy creating your dish and make it your own!
