Transform the classic elegance of Chicken Marsala into a cozy, family-style casserole! This Chicken Marsala Casserole features tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and a savory Marsala wine sauce baked together with pasta, melted cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s a one-pan comfort meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table—perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Comfort Food: Everything—chicken, pasta, and vegetables—bakes together for an effortless meal.
- Rich Marsala Flavor: The signature mushroom-wine sauce gives the casserole a gourmet touch.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps, minimal prep, and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Breadcrumb Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet for sautéing
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
How to Make Chicken Marsala Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Add mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Marsala Sauce
Stir in Marsala wine, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, browned chicken, and mushroom mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use Dry Marsala Wine: It gives the sauce a deep, savory flavor (sweet Marsala will add a touch of sweetness).
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for extra richness.
- Cheese Options: Try provolone or Gruyère for a unique twist.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
What to Serve With It
- Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up every drop of the Marsala sauce.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans complement the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Assemble (but don’t bake) and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use a Marsala substitute?
Yes—try ¾ cup grape juice with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
What pasta works best?
Penne holds up well, but fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni are great too!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Marsala Casserole combines the elegance of the classic dish with the ease of a one-pan bake. Creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors, it’s the perfect recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
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