Creamy Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Joy

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

Rich wine-infused flavors dance through tender chicken pieces nestled in a creamy sauce.

Mushrooms add an earthy depth that makes this dish truly memorable.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients combine into something spectacular.

Layers of pasta and succulent chicken create a hearty meal everyone will adore.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as this casserole bakes to golden perfection.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

How to Store Chicken Marsala Casserole Properly

• Store leftover Chicken Marsala Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, ensuring proper sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

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.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for 24 hours before baking. Just add 510 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

Use freshly cooked chicken and don’t overcook the pasta beforehand. The sauce helps keep the dish moist, and covering with foil during part of baking can also prevent drying out.

What Makes Chicken Marsala Casserole Exceptional

• Boost Comfort Levels: Transforms classic Chicken Marsala into a hearty, satisfying casserole that wraps you in warm, delicious comfort perfect for family gatherings.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Combines multiple cooking steps into one dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and streamlining meal preparation without sacrificing rich, restaurant-quality flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible ingredient options like swapping proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and pantry availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Delivers a crowd-friendly meal that appeals to both kids and adults, with cheesy goodness and familiar Italian-inspired taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Pasta: Provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the dish.
• Marsala Wine: Adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that adds richness and depth.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor base for the casserole.
• Mushrooms: Adds an earthy and savory element to the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing and building flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright touch.

How to Bake Chicken Marsala Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and give your 9×13 baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

In a large skillet, dance some olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them soften and become translucent. Add mushrooms and let them turn a gorgeous golden brown, releasing their rich, earthy aroma.

Step 3: Create a Magical Roux

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir continuously. Let this mixture cook and mingle for about 2 minutes, creating a smooth, thick base for your sauce.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquid Gold

Slowly pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Enrich with Cream

Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble gently for another couple of minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6: Combine Casserole Components

• Cooked chicken
• Cooked pasta
• Prepared sauce

Mix everything until each bite promises a perfect blend of flavors.

Step 7: Cheese Please

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Optional: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the comfort!

Steps to Enhance Flavor in Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier alternative that caters to different dietary needs.
• Use low-fat cheese and reduce cream quantity to create a lighter version of this comforting casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Select fresh, high-quality mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for deeper, richer taste profiles in the sauce.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded evenly to guarantee consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Prep ingredients beforehand and measure out Marsala wine and seasonings to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.

Flavor Boosters That Lift Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Vegetarian Marsala Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich Marsala flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and swap mozzarella for crumbled feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style casserole with similar cooking techniques.

How to Serve Chicken Marsala Casserole

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this casserole as the star of your next gathering with friends, creating a warm and inviting centerpiece that sparks conversation.
• Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to transform this dish into a complete, satisfying family dinner that everyone will love.
• Italian-Inspired Plating: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil on top just before serving to elevate the presentation and add a bright, fresh finish.

Easy Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken marsala casserole blends classic Italian flavors with comforting American casserole style. Rich mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that connects culinary traditions deliciously for you.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breasts (cooked, shredded or diced)
• 16 ounces (454 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni, cooked)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, melt olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they develop a rich, golden-brown color and release their moisture.
4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent lumps from forming.
5. Slowly pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth, whisking constantly to integrate the liquid and eliminate any potential flour clumps.
6. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
7. Incorporate heavy cream, salt, and pepper into the sauce, continuing to simmer for an additional 2 minutes until the consistency is velvety.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, prepared pasta, and the completed sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
9. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
10. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, slightly crispy top.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
13. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a touch of freshness before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy flavor profile of the original dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Choose low-fat cheese options and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing taste.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and introduce extra layers of texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg