Chicken Marsala Casserole is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, Chicken Marsala. Traditionally, Chicken Marsala features pan-seared chicken cutlets simmered in a rich sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and herbs.
This casserole version takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into a hearty, baked meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep. Juicy chunks of chicken are combined with tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala Casserole
Chicken Marsala Casserole transforms the rich, restaurant-quality flavors of the classic Italian dish into a cozy, baked, family-style meal. With tender chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy Marsala wine sauce, this casserole offers all the elegance of traditional Chicken Marsala in a fuss-free, comforting format.
It’s perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or meal prep — rich, savory, and deeply satisfying, with minimal effort and major flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize with pasta, rice, or veggies!
Chicken Marsala Casserole
Description
The Marsala wine lends a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory elements, while the baking process allows all the flavors to meld together in a satisfying way.
It’s a dish that feels both elegant and homey—ideal for a cozy weeknight meal yet impressive enough for guests. The casserole format also makes it easy to prepare in advance and simply pop in the oven when needed, saving you time without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re a fan of the original Chicken Marsala or just looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole, this recipe delivers a warm, indulgent experience that will quickly become a household favorite.
This Chicken Marsala Casserole is creamy, savory, and packed with mushrooms and chicken in a rich Marsala sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s a warm and comforting one-dish dinner that delivers restaurant-level flavor at home.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
Instructions
-
Sauté the Veggies:
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
-
Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and browned, about 6–8 minutes.
-
-
Make the Sauce:
-
Pour in Marsala wine and cook 2–3 minutes.
-
Add chicken broth, cream, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
-
Assemble the Casserole:
-
In a greased 9x13 baking dish, layer the cooked chicken (and pasta or rice, if using).
-
Pour sauce over chicken. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
-
-
Bake:
-
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
-
-
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32g50%
- Sodium 700mg30%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 32g64%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken:
A quick shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. - Make It Low-Carb:
Omit rice or pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. - Don’t Skip the Marsala Wine:
It’s the heart of the flavor! Use dry Marsala for best results — cooking wine works in a pinch. - Add Veggies:
Stir in spinach or peas before baking for added nutrients. - Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven for best texture.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option that still soaks up the Marsala sauce beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely, adding more vegetables such as asparagus or spinach.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, spinach, or peas to increase nutrition and color.
- Cheese Swap: While mozzarella is common, try fontina or provolone for a richer, meltier texture.
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with turkey breast, pork tenderloin strips, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute and dairy-free cheese to cater to lactose intolerance.
- White Wine Alternative: If Marsala wine is unavailable, use a dry white wine with a splash of brandy for a similar depth of flavor.
Storage
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying.
Freezing: For longer storage, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Meal Prep Tip: Portion the casserole into individual, freezer-safe containers for easy grab-and-reheat lunches or dinners.
Avoid Overheating: Overcooking during reheating can cause the chicken to become dry. To keep it moist, add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Chicken Marsala Casserole brings the rich, savory flavors of a classic Italian dish into a convenient, comforting casserole format. This dish takes tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the signature Marsala wine sauce and combines them in a way that’s both hearty and satisfying.
The creamy sauce, made from a blend of Marsala wine, chicken broth, and a touch of cream, envelops the chicken and mushrooms, while the casserole itself bakes to perfection, creating a deliciously golden, bubbling top layer.
What makes this casserole truly stand out is its ability to marry the bold flavors of Chicken Marsala with the ease of a one-pan meal. The chicken remains juicy, while the mushrooms absorb all the rich, aromatic flavors of the sauce, creating a depth of taste that’s deeply satisfying.
With the addition of cheese and breadcrumbs on top, this casserole achieves the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and savory in every bite.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for added richness, and feel free to substitute the mushrooms with other vegetables, such as onions or spinach.
The casserole can also be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy gathering, or a special occasion, Chicken Marsala Casserole provides all the warmth and flavor of a traditional Chicken Marsala, with the convenience of a casserole.
The comforting, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory mushrooms combine to create a dish that feels elegant yet simple, making it a dish you’ll want to return to time and again.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of Marsala wine?
You can substitute with dry sherry or a mix of white wine and a splash of brandy, but the flavor will vary.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cool completely. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
