Olive Garden Marsala Fettucine
Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine — Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine recipe!
This dish is a delightful fusion of tender, pan-seared chicken and creamy, rich Marsala wine sauce, all tossed together with perfectly cooked fettuccine.
It’s a gourmet meal made easy in your own kitchen, offering the classic flavors of the beloved restaurant favorite.
Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden or love a good pasta dish, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with its mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures. Join us as we recreate this classic dish, bringing a taste of Italian elegance to your dinner table.
What Is Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine
The Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine is a homemade version of the popular dish from Olive Garden, a well-known American-Italian restaurant chain. This dish aims to replicate the rich and savory flavors that have made the restaurant’s version a favorite among many.
The recipe typically features thinly pounded chicken breasts seasoned, floured, and pan-seared to golden perfection. The chicken is accompanied by a creamy Marsala wine sauce, a key dish component. This sauce uses Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, combined with mushrooms, garlic, and cream, creating a rich, deep, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
The chicken and sauce are then served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful Marsala sauce, and pasta creates a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
This copycat recipe allows fans of Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala Fettuccine to recreate the experience at home, often with the flexibility to adjust ingredients to personal taste preferences.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
You will love this Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine recipe for many reasons:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the luxurious taste of dining out right in your own kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of a restaurant-style dish, making it perfect for a special evening or when you want to impress.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, creamy Marsala wine sauce, and earthy mushrooms creates a symphony of comforting and indulgent flavors.
- Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it accessible even for those with moderate cooking skills.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences, whether by adjusting the sauce’s thickness or the seasoning level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a romantic meal, or entertaining guests, this dish is versatile enough to fit any situation.
Enjoying a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your home saves you a trip to Olive Garden and allows you to experience the joy of cooking a gourmet meal yourself.
Ingredients Needed For Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine
Create a culinary masterpiece with these essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing the authentic flavors of Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala Fettuccine to your table.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, chicken breasts are pounded thin to ensure even cooking and a tender bite that absorbs the Marsala sauce beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for lightly coating the chicken, the flour helps to create a golden crust when pan-seared, adding texture and aiding in thickening the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are fundamental for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and the overall dish.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for frying, adding a subtle flavor while ensuring the chicken doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, complementing the Marsala wine’s sweetness and creamy texture.
- Marsala Wine: A key ingredient, Marsala wine imparts a unique, slightly sweet, and rich flavor to the sauce, distinguishing the dish with its signature taste.
- Mushrooms: Typically button or cremini, mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture, absorbing the sauce and complementing the chicken.
- Garlic: A touch of garlic enhances the sauce’s aromatic qualities, adding depth to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: Brings a luxurious creaminess to the Marsala sauce, balancing the wine’s flavors and creating a silky texture.
- Chicken Broth: Used to adjust the sauce’s consistency and add another layer of savory flavor.
- Fettuccine Pasta: The choice of pasta, fettuccine provides a perfect base for the dish, its wide and flat shape holding onto the creamy sauce excellently.
- Parsley (Optional): A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.
Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience reminiscent of a delightful evening at Olive Garden.
How To Make Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine
Making Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine at home is a delightful culinary project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create this delicious dish:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Marsala Sauce: Add a bit more butter in the same skillet. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic until the mushrooms are tender. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing process is key to flavor. Add chicken broth and let the sauce simmer until it reduces and thickens slightly. Stir in heavy cream, and simmer the sauce until it is creamy.
Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while the sauce is cooking. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce to reheat and coat with the Marsala sauce. Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked fettuccine. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce as needed with salt and pepper. This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Chicken Marsala Fettuccine, offering a rich and flavorful experience. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
Pro Tips
To elevate your Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine to a restaurant-quality level, consider these pro tips:
- Quality of Ingredients: Use good quality Marsala wine, as it is the key flavor component in this dish. Also, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality butter for the best taste.
- Pounding the Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded to about ½ inch thickness. This promotes even cooking and tender chicken.
- Browning the Chicken: Don’t rush the browning process of the chicken. A good, golden-brown sear adds flavor and makes the dish look appealing.
- Managing the Flame: When adding Marsala wine to the pan, be cautious if using a gas stove as Marsala, a fortified wine, can ignite. If this happens, cover the pan with a lid.
- Sauce Consistency: Let the Marsala sauce simmer until it reduces to a slightly thickened texture. You can thin the sauce with more chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
- Mushroom Choice: While button mushrooms work well, cremini or baby bella mushrooms can add a deeper flavor.
- Fresh Pasta: If possible, use fresh fettuccine pasta as it absorbs the sauce better and offers a superior texture. If using dried pasta, ensure it’s cooked to al dente.
- Resting the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Garnishing: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine with your meal, pair this dish with a glass of Marsala wine or a similar variety to complement the flavors.
- Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a couple of days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Fllowing these tips, you can create a Chicken Marsala Fettuccine that rivals the taste and elegance of Olive Garden’s beloved dish, perfect for a special dinner at home.
Faq’s
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of fettuccine? Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like linguine, spaghetti, or even penne. The key is to use a pasta that pairs well with creamy sauces.
What can I use if I don’t have Marsala wine? Marsala wine is unique, but if unavailable, you can use Madeira wine, dry sherry, or a mixture of grape juice with a bit of brandy as a non-alcoholic option. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken and serve with gluten-free pasta.
How can I thicken the Marsala sauce if it’s too runny? If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or asparagus for added flavor and nutrition.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance? You can cook the chicken and Marsala sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative. Just ensure they’re pounded to an even thickness and adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). It should be golden outside and no longer pink inside.
Can I make this dish dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter alternative and a
dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream or a soy-based cream.
More copycat Recipes
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- Benihana Fried Rice
- Doubletree Cookies (Famous Recipe)
- Homemade Hostess Cupcakes
- Ninja Foodi Grill Bacon
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Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Marsala Fettuccine
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 cup marsala cooking wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon or base
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Boil the fettuccine according to the package directions as you prepare the rest of the dish
- Toss chicken tenderloins in cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to evenly coat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenderloins and brown well on both sides, cooking until a meat thermometer registers at least 165°F when inserted into the thickest piece. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced mushrooms to the residual oil in the skillet and sauté until browned. Stir in garlic and sauté 1 additional minute.
- Pour in marsala and heavy cream and bring up to a simmer. For more flavor, stir in beef bouillon. Let simmer 3 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook 1 minute, or until wilted.
- Stir in cooked fettuccine and cooked chicken tenderloins and let cook 1 minute, just until the sauce is coating the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.