Name: Creamy Chicken Marsala Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 8 oz noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup zucchini or broccoli, chopped (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts; For the sauce:; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for less heat); 1/4 cup water or chicken broth; 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup offers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients. The combination of Marsala wine and cream gives the broth a deep, luxurious taste that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s perfect for cold evenings, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Plus, it comes together in under an hour and pairs beautifully with bread or a light salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oil or butter
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
onion, chopped
garlic, minced
mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella work best)
dry Marsala wine
chicken broth
heavy cream
thyme (fresh or dried)
salt and pepper
flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions and mushrooms until softened and browned.
Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until flavors meld.
For a thicker soup, stir in a flour or cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Add Pasta: Stir in cooked pasta like orzo or egg noodles to make it even heartier.
Low-Carb Option: Skip thickening and serve with roasted veggies.
Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, kale, or carrots for extra nutrition.
No Wine: Substitute Marsala with additional broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and oil instead of butter.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream may change texture once thawed.

FAQs

What is Marsala wine?

Marsala is a fortified Italian wine with a rich, slightly sweet flavor that adds depth to sauces and soups.

Can I use cooked chicken?

Yes, stir in shredded cooked chicken during the last few minutes of simmering.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer the best flavor, but white button mushrooms work too.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and the flavors deepen after a day.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

Can I skip the cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less rich.

What sides go well with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a green salad are great complements.

Can I freeze Chicken Marsala Soup?

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream, but you can freeze it before adding the cream and finish it fresh.

How do I thicken the soup?

Use a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, added near the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Marsala Soup is a warm, indulgent dish that turns a beloved entrée into a satisfying, spoonable comfort food. With tender chicken, rich mushrooms, and a creamy, wine-kissed broth, it’s sure to become a favorite for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Enjoy a bowl with your favorite sides and savor every bite.