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Creamy Chicken Marsala Fettuccine
Transform your kitchen into an Italian restaurant with this luxurious pasta dish. Tender noodles silky mushrooms and caramelized onions come together in a rich Marsala wine cream sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite trattoria but it's simple enough to make at home.
A Symphony of Flavors
Every bite brings together perfectly cooked chicken earthy mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of Marsala wine. The creamy sauce and fresh Parmesan create something truly special that works for both casual dinners and special occasions.
What You'll Need
- • For The Base: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound chicken thighs salt and pepper
- • The Aromatics: 3 tablespoons butter 1 red onion 2 garlic cloves 8 ounces mushrooms
- • Rich Sauce: 2 tablespoons flour ½ cup Marsala wine 1 cup chicken broth ½ cup cream ¼ cup sour cream 1 cup fresh Parmesan
- • Perfect Pasta: 12 ounces fettuccine fresh parsley for garnish
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Let's Cook Together
- Start With The Chicken
- Season those thighs well then sear until golden and juicy. Let them rest before cutting into perfect bites.
- Build The Flavor Base
- In that same pan melt butter and cook your onions until sweet and golden. Add garlic then those mushrooms until everything's beautiful.
- Create Your Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over everything add wine to deglaze then pour in broth and cream. Let it simmer until thick then welcome that chicken back to the pan.
- Bring It All Together
- Cook your pasta while the sauce simmers. Save some pasta water then toss everything together with sour cream and Parmesan until perfectly coated.
Make It Perfect
- • Perfect Sear: Cook chicken in batches for that golden crust
- • Flavorful Pasta: Salt that pasta water well
- • Silky Sauce: Keep pasta water handy to adjust consistency
- • Best Cheese: Grate your Parmesan fresh it makes a difference
Make It Your Own
Skip the chicken and double up on mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Try different pasta shapes or make it gluten-free with alternative pasta and flour. This recipe loves to be customized.
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Complete Your Meal
Serve this with warm crusty bread and roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots. A fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette balances all that richness perfectly.
Save It For Later
Let everything cool then store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating add a splash of broth to bring back that silky sauce. Warm gently either in the microwave or on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs provide more flavor and stay more tender.
- → What can I substitute for Marsala wine?
While it won't taste the same, you can use a mix of white wine and brandy, or chicken stock with a splash of balsamic.
- → Why reserve pasta water?
The starchy water helps thin the sauce while keeping it creamy and helping it cling to the pasta.
- → Can I make this ahead?
The sauce can be made ahead. Cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.
- → What mushrooms work best?
Cremini are ideal, but any brown mushrooms work. Avoid white button mushrooms as they have less flavor.