Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

If you're a fan of the rich, savory flavors of Chicken Marsala but want an easier, make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or entertaining, this Chicken Marsala Casserole is just what you need! This recipe brings all the classic elements of Chicken Marsala together—tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that signature Marsala wine sauce—layered into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for sharing. Read on to learn how to make this comforting dish, tips for perfecting the recipe, and creative serving ideas.

What is Chicken Marsala?

Chicken Marsala is a popular Italian-American dish that originated from the island of Sicily. It traditionally consists of sautéed chicken cutlets paired with a rich, slightly sweet Marsala wine sauce, enhanced by mushrooms, garlic, and often a touch of cream. This dish is typically served with a side of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. In this casserole version, we take the essence of Chicken Marsala and transform it into a one-pan meal that’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and great for feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Marsala Casserole

Before you dive into the step-by-step cooking instructions, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This Chicken Marsala Casserole uses a combination of fresh and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or cremini mushrooms work best)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Marsala wine (dry Marsala is ideal for cooking)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound cooked pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about a casserole recipe like Chicken Marsala is its versatility. Here are some common ingredient substitutions and variations that you can use to customize the dish to your taste:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a meat substitute like seitan, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• No Wine: If you don't have Marsala wine on hand or prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken broth and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to mimic the sweetness of Marsala.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Chicken Marsala Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Sauté until softened and the mushrooms begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make the Marsala Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Add the Broth and Cream: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the thyme and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned chicken, and the Marsala sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Top with Cheese: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to cook the chicken all the way through in the skillet. It will continue to cook while baking in the oven, and overcooking it beforehand will result in dry, tough chicken.
2. Not Using Dry Marsala Wine: For authentic flavor, make sure you use dry Marsala wine, not the sweet variety, which can make the dish too sugary.
3. Skipping the Rest Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken up before serving.
4. Using Raw Pasta: Make sure the pasta is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. The baking time is too short to properly cook raw pasta.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole

Chicken Marsala Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with light sides to balance the richness of the sauce. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect way to lighten up the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a healthy, flavorful side to the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes it feel more special for dinner parties or special occasions.
• Garnishes: Top the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of color and extra flavor.
• Family-Style: If you’re serving a large group, place the casserole in the center of the table with large serving spoons and let everyone help themselves. It’s a cozy, communal way to enjoy the meal.

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Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe Tips

• Prepping Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of wine in this recipe?
Yes! While Marsala wine is key to the traditional flavor, you can substitute with Madeira or a dry sherry if needed.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it to save time. Just skip the chicken browning step and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

5. What pasta works best with this casserole?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they hold the sauce better than long pasta.

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Conclusion

Chicken Marsala Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Italian dish in an easy-to-make, shareable format. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this casserole will satisfy and impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish on the table that everyone will love. Try it today and bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen!

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