The Perfect Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

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

Layers of tender chicken swimming in rich marsala wine sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the savory protein perfectly.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking with minimal cleanup.

Robust flavors meld together, promising a satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through classic italian-inspired cuisine.

Chicken Marsala Casserole You’ll Love

• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Transform a classic restaurant-style dish into an easy home-cooked casserole that brings sophisticated flavors to your dinner table without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating a rich Marsala sauce, making meal preparation super convenient.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese in a hearty pasta dish that appeals to both adults and kids, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
• Flexible Meal Option: Adaptable recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks personalize the dish based on dietary preferences or what's available in the pantry.

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Chicken: A tender protein that serves as the primary component of this hearty casserole.

• Onions, Garlic, Mushrooms: A flavorful trio that provides depth and savory notes to the dish.

• Marsala Wine: A rich, sweet Italian wine that adds complex flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A liquid base that enhances the overall savoriness of the casserole.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a melty, golden brown crust with sharp and creamy cheese flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps in cooking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the delicious Marsala sauce.

How to Cook Chicken Marsala Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely done.

Set the chicken aside for later.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, dance some onions, garlic, and mushrooms around until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth.

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, reducing slightly for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Enrich the Sauce

Swirl in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken and become luxuriously smooth for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Bring together the cooked chicken, magical sauce, and pasta in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 7: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

across the top of the casserole.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

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

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors settle before diving in.

Pro Tips for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and prevents steaming.
• Simmer Marsala wine and broth carefully to achieve the perfect sauce thickness, reducing liquid slowly for rich, concentrated taste.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy, golden-brown cheese topping that adds depth and texture to the casserole.
• Choose al dente pasta to avoid mushy texture, as it will continue cooking slightly during the baking process.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic finish.

Variations on Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Vegetarian Marsala Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes and pan-fried until golden. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if adding a crispy topping for extra texture.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and maintain creamy consistency.
• Seafood Mediterranean Remix: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops. Add white fish like cod or halibut for a seafood-focused casserole that maintains the classic Marsala flavor profile.

Serving Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the Marsala notes by serving a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a light Chianti, enhancing the meal's depth.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of color and aromatic freshness.
• Bread Basket Companion: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comforting meal experience.

Storage Advice for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap casserole in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze flat for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

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 a mix of white wine and brandy for similar depth of flavor.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Use al dente pasta and avoid overcooking. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce in the oven, so slightly firm pasta works best to maintain texture.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken marsala casserole brings Italian comfort straight to kitchen tables with layered flavors and creamy textures. Mushroom-rich sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (453 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, then remove and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms until they become tender and release their aromatic flavors.
4. Pour Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to gently simmer and concentrate for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate heavy cream into the sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, velvety consistency.
6. Blend the prepared chicken, sauce, and pasta in a spacious mixing bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Carefully transfer the combined mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a tempting melted cheese layer.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Boost flavor by marinating chicken in Marsala wine and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Select wide, flat pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine to help sauce cling better and create a more luxurious texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta options, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding spinach or roasted bell peppers during the sautéing stage, introducing extra vegetables and vibrant colors to the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg