Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty chicken marsala casserole that blends rich flavors with classic Italian-inspired comfort.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a creamy marsala sauce create a mouthwatering main dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

The robust mushroom and wine-infused layers promise a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Golden-brown edges and a bubbling surface hint at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that satisfies deeply.

Gather your ingredients and let’s bring this irresistible dish to life.

What Makes Chicken Marsala Casserole Shine

  • Whip Up Comfort: A hearty casserole that transforms classic Chicken Marsala into a crowd-pleasing one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
  • Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress.
  • Customize Your Feast: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that satisfies everyone at the table.

Chicken Marsala Casserole Shopping List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender cubed meat that provides the primary protein for the casserole.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a golden, melty topping that adds depth of flavor.
Sauce and Flavor Builders:
  • Marsala Wine: Brings a complex, slightly sweet wine flavor to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall savory profile of the sauce.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms: Provide layers of earthy and aromatic flavors to the casserole.
Pasta and Oils:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the casserole.
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the casserole.

Cooking Chicken Marsala Casserole, Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and transform those chicken cubes into golden-brown delights.

Once they’re perfectly seared, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Symphony

In the same skillet, dance with these ingredients:
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Garlic

Sauté until they become soft and fragrant.

Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, letting them mingle and reduce by half.

Step 4: Bring on the Creamy Magic

Swirl in heavy cream and let the sauce thicken into a luxurious blanket.

Season with salt and pepper to make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Combine the Goodness

Lovingly fold the cooked pasta and those golden chicken cubes into the velvety sauce.

Transfer this heavenly mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Shower the top with a magnificent layer of:
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble and turn golden for 20-25 minutes.

Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley for a fresh finale.

Tips For Great Chicken Marsala Casserole Results

  • Use a high-quality Marsala wine for richer, more complex taste profiles that elevate the entire dish.
  • Ensure chicken cubes are not overcooked by removing them from heat just as they turn golden brown to maintain moisture and tenderness.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect, gooey texture without becoming rubbery.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still maintains creamy consistency.
  • Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce and during baking, preventing mushy results.

New Twists On Chicken Marsala Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the creamy marsala sauce with mushrooms.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets. Keep the rich marsala sauce and protein while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Replace mozzarella with feta cheese. Add kalamata olives and spinach for extra Mediterranean flavor profile. Use oregano and thyme as additional herbs.

Creative Serving Ideas For Chicken Marsala Casserole

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish for weeknight meals with loved ones.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Plate the casserole alongside a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for an impressive gathering.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the Marsala flavors with a glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to enhance the dish's rich taste.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or fresh basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch to the creamy casserole.

How To Keep Chicken Marsala Casserole Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of wine instead of Marsala?

Yes, you can substitute with dry sherry or Madeira wine for a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • What can I do if I don't have mozzarella cheese?

You can replace mozzarella with provolone or monterey jack cheese for a similar melting texture and mild flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe

Chicken Marsala Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich layers of chicken marsala dance through this comforting casserole, blending classic Italian flavors with homestyle warmth. Creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Carbohydrates:

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni) or 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F for optimal baking temperature.
  2. Sear chicken cubes in a skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
  3. Using the same skillet, caramelize mushrooms, onions, and garlic until they become tender and fragrant.
  4. Pour Marsala wine and chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reduce by half and concentrate the flavors.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream into the reduced sauce, stirring until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  7. Combine the seared chicken and cooked pasta with the creamy Marsala sauce, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Transfer the mixed ingredients to a prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
  9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cheese crust and bubbling edges.
  11. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile of the original dish.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Marsala wine is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Enhance the sauce’s depth by adding a splash of fresh thyme or rosemary during the simmering process, which elevates the overall taste complexity.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, reducing calories without compromising the creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 555 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star