Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $31.27 total, $7.82 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, divided 2 tbsp for pasta, 2 tbsp for garlic bread)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 large Shallot (finely diced)
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 8 ounces Mushrooms (sliced; cremini or button work well)
  • ½ cup Sweet Marsala Wine (about half a standard 750 ml bottle)
  • 1 cup Demiglace (ready‑made) (store‑bought, low‑sodium)
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 12 ounces Dry Pasta (e.g., fettuccine or linguine) (cooked al‑dente)
  • ½ loaf Sourdough Bread (cut into thirds, sliced for garlic bread)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens (for side salad, optional dressing)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients

    Mince the garlic, finely dice the shallot, slice the mushrooms, cut the chicken into bite‑size pieces, grate Parmesan, chop parsley, and slice the sourdough into thirds.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make Garlic Bread

    Mix 2 tbsp softened butter with 1 tsp garlic powder. Spread on the sourdough slices, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F until golden, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 375°F

  3. Cook Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al‑dente according to package directions (usually 9‑11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

    Time: PT11M

    Temperature: boiling

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    In the large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot; sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Brown Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the pan, season with 1 tsp kosher salt and ½ tsp black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and about 70% cooked through, roughly 6 minutes.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Add Mushrooms

    Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they release moisture and begin to brown, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Deglaze with Marsala

    Pour in ½ cup sweet Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Increase heat to medium‑high and let the wine reduce by half, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Build the Sauce

    Stir in 1 cup demiglace, then add the cold heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, then mix in ¾ cup grated Parmesan and half of the chopped parsley. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low‑simmer

  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Cook together for 1‑2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce. Finish with the remaining parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  10. Plate and Serve

    Divide the pasta among plates, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan, add a side of mixed salad greens, and place a piece of warm garlic bread on the side. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
650
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Chicken Marsala

Recipe by Old's Cool Kevmo

A quick, comforting one‑pan chicken Marsala pasta served with buttery garlic sourdough bread and a simple side salad. Inspired by Old's Cool Kevmo's lakeside dinner, this recipe combines caramelized garlic‑shallot aromatics, mushrooms, sweet Marsala wine, cream, and Parmesan for a rich sauce that coats al‑dente pasta.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
38m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.27
Total cost
$7.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Caramelizing garlic and shallot without burning
  • Reducing Marsala wine to concentrate flavor
  • Adding cream and cheese over low heat to avoid curdling
  • Cooking pasta al‑dente and reserving pasta water for sauce adjustment

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and pan handles with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be cautious when reducing alcohol; keep the kitchen well‑ventilated.
  • Use a pot holder when removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Marsala Pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Chicken Marsala originated in Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. Italian immigrants brought the wine and the technique to the United States, adapting it into a creamy pasta dish that became a staple of comfort food in Italian‑American households.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Marsala in Italy?

A

In Sicily, the classic version is a simple sauté of chicken with Marsala, mushrooms, and a light butter sauce, often served with rice or polenta. In the United States, the dish is frequently enriched with cream and paired with pasta, as demonstrated in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Marsala traditionally served in Sicily?

A

Traditional Sicilian Chicken Marsala is plated over a bed of sautéed greens or served alongside roasted vegetables, with the sauce drizzled over the chicken. It is not typically paired with pasta in the original Italian setting.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Marsala Pasta traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?

A

Chicken Marsala pasta is a popular choice for family gatherings, holiday meals, and casual dinner parties because it is quick to prepare yet feels special, making it a go‑to dish for celebrations like birthdays or Thanksgiving side meals.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Chicken Marsala and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are chicken, Marsala wine, mushrooms, butter, and a light stock or demiglace. Substitutes include dry Marsala for a less sweet profile, beef stock reduced as a demiglace alternative, and heavy cream for added richness if a lighter sauce is desired.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Chicken Marsara Pasta from Old's Cool Kevmo?

A

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a classic Caprese salad complement the rich pasta. For a fuller meal, serve with a side of garlic‑buttered sourdough, as shown in the video.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Marsala Pasta?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, burning the garlic‑shallot mixture, reducing the Marsala too quickly, and boiling the cream which can cause curdling. Follow the low‑simmer step when adding cream and cheese to keep the sauce silky.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use sweet Marsala instead of dry Marsala?

A

Sweet Marsala adds a subtle caramel note that balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan. Dry Marsala can be used, but you may need to add a pinch of sugar or a splash of honey to achieve a similar depth of flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Marsala Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to step 8, cool it quickly, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, add the cooked pasta just before serving, and finish with fresh Parmesan and parsley.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo specialize in?

A

Old's Cool Kevmo focuses on relaxed, crowd‑pleasing comfort food recipes filmed in outdoor or vacation settings, often featuring quick one‑pan meals, rustic breads, and easy-to‑follow techniques for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Old's Cool Kevmo's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Old's Cool Kevmo emphasizes minimal equipment, improvisation with pantry staples, and a laid‑back presentation style, whereas many other channels prioritize precise plating or elaborate techniques. Kevmo’s videos feel like cooking with friends around a campfire.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ALFREDO USING STORE BOUGHT ALFREDO SAUCE!? QUICK AND EASY RECIPE!
4

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ALFREDO USING STORE BOUGHT ALFREDO SAUCE!? QUICK AND EASY RECIPE!

A quick and easy Italian‑American comfort dish featuring golden‑seared chicken, broccoli, and a store‑bought Alfredo sauce enriched with half‑and‑half and Parmesan. All tossed together with fettuccine for a creamy, satisfying dinner ready in under an hour.

55 minServes 4$29
Italian-American
How To Make The Best Chicken Pot Pie Ever (Quick & Easy Recipe)
10

How To Make The Best Chicken Pot Pie Ever (Quick & Easy Recipe)

A comforting chicken pot pie made in under an hour using store‑bought pie crust and rotisserie chicken. Perfect for cold winter evenings, this recipe combines a buttery flaky crust with a creamy vegetable‑filled chicken filling.

1 hr 5 minServes 6$21
American
Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta
6

Crispy Chicken Breast with Cheesy Pasta

A comforting, family‑friendly dinner featuring breaded chicken breast strips served over creamy garlic‑cheese pasta. The chicken stays crispy while the sauce is rich, velvety, and perfect for spreading on bread. Easy to make in under 1½ hours.

1 hr 15 minServes 4$20
American
Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo With The Fancy Pasta
6

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo With The Fancy Pasta

A rich, creamy chicken alfredo pasta that’s juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make. Tender seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky sauce of heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, Italian and Cajun seasonings come together for a comforting Italian‑American dinner.

50 minServes 4$10
Italian-American
30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)
3

30 minute One Pan Lemon Chicken Pasta (creamy)

A quick, lazy‑day dinner that comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken breast, garlic‑infused pasta, a silky lemon‑cream sauce, and Parmesan make a bright, comforting meal with only five core ingredients.

30 minServes 2$11
Italian
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
3

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A quick, one‑pan Italian‑inspired pasta featuring sliced chicken breast, sundried‑tomato‑infused oil, garlic, tomato puree, cream, fresh basil, Parmesan, and spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights and easy enough to become a regular favorite.

45 minServes 4$19
Italian
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in 20 Minutes! 🍝
2

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in 20 Minutes! 🍝

A rich, one‑pan Italian‑inspired pasta dish featuring golden‑seared chicken, garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a velvety Parmesan‑cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

50 minServes 4$13
Italian
Chicken Marsala
2

Chicken Marsala

A creamy, wine‑infused chicken marsala tossed with al dente pasta, mushrooms, and a splash of Parmesan. Perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner, this recipe from Old's Cool Kevmo combines savory chicken, sweet Marsala wine, and rich cream for a restaurant‑style pasta dish.

50 minServes 4$31
Italian-American