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Savory Chicken Marsala Casserole for Dinner Delight

This Chicken Marsala Casserole is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic dish while embracing the ease of one-pan cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 1medium onion, chopped
  • 2cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ozmushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cupMarsala wine
  • 1 cupchicken broth
  • 1 teaspoondried thyme
  • 1 teaspoondried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cupscooked penne pasta
  • 1 ½ cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish, which will eventually cradle your flavorful casserole. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season with salt and pepper, and let it cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  2. In the same skillet, without wiping it clean, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them until they are golden and tender, which will take about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your casserole.
  3. Once the mushrooms are ready, it’s time to create the luscious Marsala sauce! Pour in the cup of Marsala wine along with the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, then bring it all to a gentle simmer. Allow this mixture to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the sauce slightly reduce and thicken. This step enhances the flavors and brings richness to the dish.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the browned chicken, and the aromatic mushroom mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure each component is coated evenly in the Marsala sauce. This mixture gets transferred into the prepared baking dish, which will act as the home for all these delicious layers. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top for that cheesy goodness!
  5. To give your casserole a delightful crunch, prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and an additional ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheesy layer. This will create a golden and crispy surface once baked, elevating the overall texture of the dish.
  6. Place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling deliciously. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will drive your appetite wild!
  7. After the casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish your masterpiece with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm, and watch as the satisfaction of the dish brings everyone around the dinner table.

Notes

For the best flavor, use quality Marsala wine that you would enjoy drinking. Let your casserole cool slightly before cutting into it; this helps it maintain its shape.

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