Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then this Chicken Marsala Fettuccine recipe is your answer! This quick and easy dinner recipe delivers rich, savory flavors and creamy texture, all without the fuss. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and sophisticated dining, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Sautéing and Simmering:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Creating the Marsala Sauce:
- Pour in the Marsala wine and let it cook for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly, releasing its delicious aroma.
- Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. This creates a luscious and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta.
Combining and Serving:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Marsala Fettuccine:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure it's not overcrowded in the skillet. This prevents steaming and ensures a nice brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken dry before dredging it in flour. This helps achieve a crispier exterior.
- Use good quality Marsala: The quality of the Marsala wine significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Opt for a dry Marsala for the best results.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different pasta: Substitute fettuccine with other pasta shapes like linguine or tagliatelle.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 550-600 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade Chicken Marsala Fettuccine! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. It's a testament to the fact that homemade cooking can be both satisfying and simple. This is undoubtedly one of the best recipes for a flavorful and comforting meal.