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