Savory Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful chicken marsala casserole brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken meld with rich, earthy mushroom sauce in this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Wine-infused flavors create depth that makes every bite memorable.

Mushrooms and chicken dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and homey.

Our simple approach transforms traditional marsala into a hearty casserole perfect for weeknight meals.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction that connects you to rustic Italian cooking traditions.

Come savor this soul-warming meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Flavorful Twists For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Vegetarian Marsala Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, ensuring a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, maintaining the rich Marsala sauce and cheese topping for a keto-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add roasted red peppers, swap thyme for rosemary, and include crumbled feta cheese to give the casserole a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread to create a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich Marsala flavors by serving a glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay alongside the casserole.
• Veggie Side Symphony: Balance the creamy dish with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts to add color and nutritional variety to the plate.
• Leftover Magic: Transform any remaining casserole into a delicious lunch by reheating and serving over fresh spinach leaves or tucking into a warm wrap with extra herbs.

How To Store Chicken Marsala Casserole Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the casserole to a shallow, wide container to help it cool quickly and evenly before refrigerating.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep moisture in and prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Avoid leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.

FAQs

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

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily, Italy. You can substitute with dry sherry, Madeira wine, or white wine with a splash of brandy for similar depth of flavor.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cube the chicken into uniform sizes and avoid overcooking. Cooking the chicken just until browned and then baking it in the sauce helps keep it tender and juicy.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Full Of Rich Taste

• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: This chicken Marsala casserole transforms a classic restaurant-style dish into a simple, home-cooked meal that packs sophisticated taste without requiring professional chef skills.
• Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Combining tender chicken, rich Marsala sauce, and melted cheese creates a crowd-pleasing dish that feels luxurious yet totally approachable for family dinner.
• Streamline Dinner Prep: One-pan cooking method and straightforward ingredients mean minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect for busy households wanting a delicious meal without extensive kitchen time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable recipe allows easy substitutions like different cheeses or adding vegetables, making it flexible for personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Chicken: Tender cubed meat that provides the primary protein source for the casserole.

• Mushrooms, Onions, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and create a rich, savory base for the dish.

• Marsala Wine: Provides a distinctive sweet and nutty flavor characteristic of the classic Italian-American dish.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall sauce with additional depth and moisture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the sauce.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the flavorful Marsala sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide melty, golden topping that adds richness and a beautiful golden crust.

• Thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic herb flavor to complement the chicken and sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle flavor to the dish.

How To Prepare Chicken Marsala Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for some delicious cooking magic.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Toss in chicken pieces and season generously. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Companions

• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until mushrooms turn a rich brown and onions become wonderfully soft, around 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Foundation

• Marsala wine
• Chicken broth
• Thyme

Let everything simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and concentrate its flavors.

Step 5: Enrich The Sauce

Splash in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Combine Casserole Elements

• Cooked pasta
• Browned chicken
• Marsala sauce

Ensure everything is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

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

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Optional: Scatter fresh parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips For Making Chicken Marsala Casserole Perfect

• Enhance flavor by browning chicken thoroughly for a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds depth to the dish.
• Select high-quality Marsala wine for authentic taste, preferably using a medium-dry variety that complements the creamy sauce.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it al dente before mixing with the sauce, ensuring a perfect texture in the final casserole.
• Control sauce consistency by simmering gradually and stirring frequently, allowing it to thicken naturally without burning or separating.
• Experiment with cheese variations like fontina or gruyère for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella and Parmesan blend.

Delicious Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken marsala casserole brings classic Italian-American comfort to dinner tables with rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken. Creamy layers and herb-infused breadcrumbs create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 12 oz (340 grams) penne or rotini pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Secondary Ingredients:

• 8 oz (226 grams) sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and introduce cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic, allowing mushrooms to caramelize and onions to become translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, combining with chicken broth and thyme. Allow the liquid to gently simmer and reduce, concentrating the flavors for about 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream into the sauce, continuing to simmer until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and layer cooked pasta as the foundation, then distribute the browned chicken evenly across the surface.
7. Pour the rich Marsala sauce over the chicken and pasta, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a melty, golden crust.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes perfectly melted and develops a slight golden-brown bubbling.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly browned chicken by patting it dry before cooking and avoiding overcrowding the skillet to ensure even caramelization.
• Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Boost flavor complexity by adding a splash of brandy or white wine to the Marsala sauce for deeper, more sophisticated taste notes.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg