🍷 Chicken Marsala Fettuccine with Spinach and Mushrooms 🍝🥬🍄
A luxurious, creamy pasta dish that balances the rich flavors of Marsala wine with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious spinach—all tossed with fettuccine for a restaurant-style meal at home.
📝 Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Fettuccine:
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until golden and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until browned and tender (about 5-6 minutes).
- Deglaze with Marsala:
- Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping any bits from the bottom.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes).
- Combine Everything:
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Toss in the cooked fettuccine and mix to coat evenly.
- Serve:
- Plate hot, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
📝 Notes:
- Marsala wine can be sweet or dry; dry Marsala is traditional for savory dishes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt for heavy cream.
- Add a touch of grated Parmesan for a cheesy boost.
💡 Tips:
- Prep ahead: Slice chicken and mushrooms in advance for faster cooking.
- To avoid overcooking, add spinach at the very end.
- Don’t skip reducing the wine—it concentrates flavor and eliminates the alcohol taste.
- Add a splash of lemon juice if the sauce feels too heavy.
🍽 Servings:
Serves 4
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugars: ~4g
- Sodium: ~400mg
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Spinach: Rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants.
- Chicken breast: Lean protein to support muscle repair and satiety.
- Mushrooms: Provide B-vitamins, selenium, and umami flavor.
- Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use another pasta type?
A: Yes! Penne or linguine work well too.
Q: What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
A: Substitute with a mix of dry white wine + a splash of brandy or a bit of balsamic vinegar.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Not ideal, as cream sauces may separate when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, but flavor will change slightly.