Creamy Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Cooking a delightful chicken Marsala casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly in this hearty dish.

Rich mushrooms and golden chicken pieces nestle beneath a golden, crispy topping.

Wine-infused sauce adds depth and sophistication to every single bite.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Full Of Flavor

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty casserole that transforms classic Chicken Marsala into a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using different pasta shapes or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Combines protein, pasta, and rich sauce in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and providing a complete meal with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Chicken: A tender, protein-rich meat that forms the core of this hearty casserole.

• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the rich, creamy Marsala sauce.
• Marsala Wine: A sweet Italian wine that adds depth and complex flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture in the sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that add aromatic depth and flavor to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy vegetables that complement the chicken and provide additional texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty toppings that create a golden, crispy crust.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Fats used for sautéing and adding richness to the casserole.

Step-By-Step Chicken Marsala Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta following the package instructions.

Once done, drain and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Grab a skillet and combine olive oil and butter.

Toss in cubed chicken and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Scoop out the chicken and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggie Crew

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms

Cook until everything is soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Marsala wine
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, watching it thicken into a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Ingredients

Mix together the cooked pasta, browned chicken, and dreamy sauce.

Transfer this delightful combination to a greased casserole dish.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Serve piping hot and enjoy!

Tips To Make Chicken Marsala Casserole Shine

• Pat chicken pieces dry before sautéing to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
• Choose a good-quality Marsala wine for authentic taste; dry Marsala works best for creating a rich, complex sauce.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the casserole, maintaining a perfect texture when baked.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become wonderfully gooey.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Variations For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Vegetarian Marsala: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan cubes, sautéed until golden. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use half the amount of cheese and add more mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh basil to the sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange the casserole in a beautiful serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and place it as the star of your dining table for an impressive main course.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich Marsala flavors by serving a glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay alongside the casserole.
• Fresh Side Salad Companion: Balance the creamy dish with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette, adding a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and pasta.
• Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or thyme on top just before serving to enhance the aromatic profile and add a burst of fresh flavor.

Storage Tips For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Seal cooled casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer leftover casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• What is Marsala wine, and can I substitute it?

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy. If unavailable, use dry sherry or Madeira as alternatives. These wines provide similar depth and richness to the dish.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting uniform cubes and removing them from the skillet immediately after browning. The simmering sauce will help keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients like broth and cream are also gluten-free certified.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken marsala casserole brings classic Italian-American flavors to hearty family dinners. Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts (cubed)

Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) baby bella mushrooms
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta and Herbs:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
3. Sear chicken cubes in a combination of olive oil and butter until golden brown and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, sauté onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.
5. Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, allowing it to deglaze and combine with chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
6. Simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to help it thicken and develop deeper flavors.
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta and seared chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
9. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly.

Notes

• Enhance the chicken’s flavor by marinating it in Marsala wine and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to add depth and tenderness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Customize the dish by adding spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition and color, which will boost the overall vegetable content.
• Ensure optimal texture by not overcooking the pasta during initial boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven and can become mushy if pre-cooked too long.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg