10 Perfect Starches to Serve with Chicken Marsala: Complete Your Italian Feast

Have you ever made a delicious chicken Marsala but struggled with what starch to pair it with? You’re not alone! When I first started cooking this classic Italian-American dish, I spent way too much time trying to figure out the perfect companion for that rich, savory sauce

Chicken Marsala features tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. This elegant dish deserves the perfect starchy side to soak up all that delicious sauce. Let’s explore the best options to complete your meal!

Why the Right Starch Matters for Chicken Marsala

Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand why choosing the right starch is crucial:

• The starch absorbs the rich Marsala sauce, enhancing the dining experience
• It adds texture contrast to the tender chicken and mushrooms
• It helps make the meal more filling and satisfying
• The right starch complements without overpowering the delicate flavors

One common mistake I’ve made (and you should avoid) is choosing a starch that’s too heavy or creamy, which can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the Marsala sauce. On the flip side something too plain might not do justice to this special dish.

Top 10 Starches to Serve with Chicken Marsala

1. Pasta (Especially Angel Hair or Fettuccine)

Pasta is probably the most popular choice to serve with chicken Marsala and for good reason!

Angel hair pasta is particularly excellent because its delicate, thin strands won’t overpower the dish. The pasta soaks up the sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious bite. You can simply:

• Cook the pasta al dente
• Drizzle with a little olive oil
• Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or grated cheese if desired

Fettuccine is another fantastic option if you prefer a heartier pasta. Its wider noodles provide more surface area to catch that delicious sauce.

2. Risotto

Risotto brings an elegant, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with chicken Marsala. I particularly love mushroom risotto since it complements the mushrooms in the Marsala sauce.

What makes risotto special is how the arborio rice releases its starch during cooking, creating that signature creamy texture without necessarily adding cream. The result is a luxurious side dish that feels special enough for company.

3. Polenta

Creamy polenta is an authentic Italian side that works wonders with chicken Marsala. Made from cornmeal, polenta has a mild corn flavor and a soft, porridge-like consistency that’s perfect for soaking up sauce.

For the best results:

• Use a high-quality cornmeal
• Cook it slowly, stirring frequently
• Add butter and maybe a little Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

The contrast between the smooth polenta and the chicken Marsala creates a truly satisfying meal.

4. Mashed Potatoes

Is there anything more comforting than creamy mashed potatoes? They’re a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with chicken Marsala.

You can make them basic with butter and milk, or elevate them by:

• Adding roasted garlic for garlic mashed potatoes
• Using Boursin cheese instead of regular butter (this adds herbs and creaminess)
• Mixing in Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

The neutral flavor of mashed potatoes allows the Marsala sauce to shine while providing a comforting base.

5. Rice

Both white and brown rice make excellent companions for chicken Marsala:

White Rice: With its neutral flavor and fluffy texture, white rice is perfect for highlighting the Marsala sauce rather than competing with it. For extra flavor, consider cooking it in chicken stock instead of water.

Brown Rice: If you’re looking for a healthier option with more nutritional value, brown rice is your friend. Its nuttier flavor and chewier texture add an interesting dimension to the meal. You can brighten it up with fresh herbs and lemon juice.

6. Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are another fantastic starch option that’s often overlooked. These tender noodles:

• Cook quickly (faster than most pastas)
• Have a mild flavor that complements the dish
• Soak up sauce beautifully
• Provide a pleasant, slightly chewy texture

Simply boil them in salted water, drain, and finish with a touch of butter or olive oil. They’re particularly good if you’re short on time but want something more interesting than plain rice.

7. Roasted Potatoes

For something with more texture, consider roasted potatoes. They offer a delightful contrast with their crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

You can use:

• Red potatoes cut in half
• Fingerling potatoes
• Regular russet potatoes cut into chunks

Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs before roasting until golden brown. The crispy exterior provides a textural contrast to the tender chicken and sauce.

8. Fondant Potatoes

If you’re feeling fancy, fondant potatoes are a show-stopping side for chicken Marsala. These are thick cylinders of potato that are pan-fried in butter until golden, then roasted to creamy perfection.

They look impressive and taste amazing with the Marsala sauce. While they take a bit more effort, they’re worth it for special occasions!

9. Gnocchi

Ricotta gnocchi are soft, pillowy Italian dumplings that melt in your mouth. Their delicate texture pairs beautifully with chicken Marsala, creating an authentic Italian experience.

You can purchase pre-made gnocchi or try making your own for a fun cooking project. Either way, they only need a brief boil before they’re ready to serve.

10. Hasselback Potatoes

For something with visual appeal and great texture, try Hasselback potatoes. These accordion-style sliced potatoes get crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

For extra flavor, try making them with Boursin cheese, which adds herbs and creaminess to complement the Marsala sauce.

Making Your Choice: Factors to Consider

When deciding which starch to serve with your chicken Marsala, consider:

1. Time available: Some options like risotto require more attention, while egg noodles or rice are quicker.
2. Cooking skills: Polenta and risotto need some practice, while pasta and rice are more forgiving.
3. Dietary restrictions: If serving guests with dietary needs, options like gluten-free pasta or rice might be better.
4. Formality of the meal: For a casual dinner, mashed potatoes work great; for something more elegant, risotto or polenta might be better.

Complete Your Meal with Vegetable Sides

While we’ve focused on starches, don’t forget to include a vegetable side for a well-rounded meal! Some great options that pair well with chicken Marsala include:

• Sautéed spinach with garlic
• Roasted asparagus with lemon
• Green beans
• Broccoli or broccolini
• Caprese salad (for a fresh contrast)

My Personal Favorite Pairing

After trying all these options (yes, I’ve made a LOT of chicken Marsala!), my personal favorite starch to serve with it is creamy polenta. There’s something about the way the soft, corn-flavored base pairs with the rich, wine-infused sauce that just works perfectly together.

That said, when I’m short on time, angel hair pasta is my go-to option. It cooks in just minutes and always delivers great results!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Marsala is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, elegant, and relatively simple to prepare. Pairing it with the right starch elevates it from a good dish to a memorable meal.

Whether you go with traditional pasta, creamy polenta, or comforting mashed potatoes, the key is to choose something that complements the rich Marsala sauce without overwhelming it.

Traditionally, chicken marsala is served with a starchy side like pasta (especially wide noodles or egg noodles), mashed potatoes, or rice, which help to soak up the rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. Classic accompaniments also include a side of steamed or roasted green vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli to balance the richness of the dish.