Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

If you love the rich, savory flavors of traditional Chicken Marsala but want an easier, family-sized meal, this Chicken Marsala Casserole is the perfect solution! This casserole combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, a creamy Marsala wine sauce, and pasta or rice, all baked together with melted cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Stick around to learn how to make this delicious casserole, along with tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your taste.

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What is a Chicken Marsala Casserole?

Chicken Marsala Casserole is an easy-to-make, baked version of the classic Italian-American dish, Chicken Marsala. Traditionally, Chicken Marsala features chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made with Marsala wine, mushrooms, and butter. In this casserole version, we combine these same ingredients with pasta or rice and bake it in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese for an indulgent twist. It’s the ultimate comfort food with all the flavors of Chicken Marsala, but in a form that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients List for Chicken Marsala Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and creamy Chicken Marsala Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (use cremini or button mushrooms)
• ½ cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni work best) or 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

This list includes all the essential ingredients for making a delicious, creamy Chicken Marsala Casserole with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and cheesy goodness.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about casseroles is how flexible they are! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Pasta or rice options: You can swap out pasta for rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
• Marsala wine substitute: If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use sherry, Madeira, or even a dry white wine in its place. For an alcohol-free option, substitute with extra chicken broth.
• Cheese choices: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can also try fontina, Gruyère, or even provolone for a different flavor.
• Add veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding spinach, broccoli, or peas to the casserole. Simply sauté them with the mushrooms, and they’ll blend right into the dish.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or replace the pasta with cooked rice or quinoa to make the dish gluten-free.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to make the dish suit your preferences or dietary needs!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious Chicken Marsala Casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add tons of flavor!). Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta or Rice

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked pasta (or rice) and cooked chicken, making sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
4. Deglaze with Marsala wine and reduce slightly.
5. Add the broth and cream to create the sauce.
6. Combine the sauce with pasta or rice and cooked chicken.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let it rest before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Now that you know the process, let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your casserole comes out perfect every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked, so make sure to cook it just until it's no longer pink inside. It will cook a bit more in the oven, so you don't want to overdo it on the stovetop.
• Not reducing the wine: When you deglaze the pan with Marsala wine, let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. This concentrates the flavor and helps the alcohol cook off.
• Undercooking the pasta or rice: Make sure your pasta or rice is fully cooked before combining it with the casserole. It will absorb some sauce in the oven, but you don’t want it to be underdone.
• Skipping the seasoning: Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole to ensure it's seasoned to your liking. The sauce should be rich and flavorful!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a filling, one-dish meal, but you can add sides and garnishes to elevate the dish even more.

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Serve with a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious Marsala sauce.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra color and nutrition on your plate.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Garnish with fresh parsley or fresh thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a more elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Grate a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving for a rich, savory finish.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add more richness and flavor to the dish. Just be sure to cook them fully before adding them to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole without Marsala wine?

If you prefer not to use Marsala wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. You’ll miss out on the signature Marsala flavor, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this casserole lighter?

To lighten up the recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also swap out the pasta for whole wheat pasta or use cauliflower rice to make it low-carb.

How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container, and reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Conclusion

This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a fantastic, comforting twist on the classic Chicken Marsala recipe. It combines tender chicken, a rich Marsala wine sauce, mushrooms, and pasta (or rice), all baked to creamy perfection with melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will satisfy everyone at the table. Follow the simple steps, and enjoy a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!

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