Description
Comforting chicken marsala casserole brings Italian-American flavors to classic comfort food. Rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups pasta (penne or rigatoni), cooked
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Create a flavorful base by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms in a blend of olive oil and butter until they become tender and fragrant.
- Pour Marsala wine into the skillet, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by approximately half, concentrating the rich flavors.
- Introduce heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, gently stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thickened consistency.
- Fold shredded chicken and pre-cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture into a prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to become bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Optimize mushroom flavor by using a mix of cremini and shiitake for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with rotisserie turkey or shredded plant-based alternatives for vegetarian adaptations.
- Control sauce consistency by gradually adding cream and broth, whisking continuously to prevent separation and achieve smooth texture.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating whole wheat pasta or adding roasted seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the mixing stage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg