It’s a classic dish with tender caramelized chicken and savory mushrooms, covered in a creamy and nutty sauce made from Marsala wine. When combined together, these simple ingredients make for a heavenly dish. And although chicken Marsala is a delightful meal all by itself, there are a few complimentary side dishes that will transform this comfort meal into one you won’t soon forget! Chicken Marsala has a creamy indulgent sauce that makes it the perfect pasta topping. Put this on top of rice, egg noodles, Risotto, or pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. Or pair it up with veggies like zucchini, cauliflower, mashed potatoes, or a side of caprese salad. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered! Here are 13 incredible side dishes that will transform your chicken Marsala into an unforgettable meal.
1. Rice
Let’s start this list with a classic. Chicken Marsala is so deliciously creamy that it yearns for the companionship of rice. Brown rice has a nice nutty flavor and chewy texture that goes well with Chicken Marsala. Its earthiness pairs well with the mushrooms in the sauce. When eaten together, it’s like a party in your mouth. Or, how about some jasmine rice infused with lemon zest? The citrusy flavor makes the rice even more addictive. But, you know what? Sometimes all you really need is a nice bowl of steaming white rice. This simple combination is to die for and is, to me, the epitome of comfort food. Of course, you can crank up the flavor by mixing some butter with the rice, but honestly, just the white rice is already more than enough. Especially with the creamy sauce in the chicken Marsala.
2. Risotto
Chicken Marsala is an Italian dish, so it only makes sense to pair it with an Italian side. Risotto is a colorful Italian rice dish that bursts with flavor from herbs and vegetables. Add some crunchy asparagus and buttery cheese and you’re good to go. The only thing it’s missing is some of that delicious chicken and out of this world Marsala sauce.
3. Handmade Pasta
Sure, store-bought pasta tastes great, but why not try to make one yourself for a change? Handmade pasta is surprisingly simple to make, even if you don’t have a pasta maker. Yup, a simple, good old fashioned rolling pin will do. Handmade pasta has a much more interesting texture than store-bought pasta, and when mixed with that decadent Marsala sauce, it is to die for. Don’t forget to flavor it with a bit of butter.
4. Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the softer and buttery cousins of pasta. Plus, it only takes 6 minutes to cook, perfect for when you’re too busy to make an elaborate dinner.
5. Almond Noodles
Speaking of noodles, almond noodles are another great option! It’s a lot lighter and only takes 15 minutes to make. Almond noodles are made with rice noodles mixed with broccoli, carrots, cabbage, spinach, sesame seeds, and coated in an almond butter dressing. So good and refreshing!
6. Polenta
While we’re used to eating Chicken Marsala with pasta, why not try it with polenta? Along with that buttery and cheesy flavors are some wonderful textures as well. And the combination works great with the mushrooms and the sauce of your main dish.
7. Potatoes
We can’t talk about sides without bringing up potatoes. These spuds make the best sides ever! I don’t know exactly what it is about potatoes, but they just taste great with anything. And when it comes to side dishes, mashed potatoes are number one. Flavor it with some garlic and top generously with bacon or salty pancetta and cheese and you’ve got yourself a scrumptious comfort food.
8. Bread Rolls
No chicken dinner would be complete without soft, buttery rolls. They pair perfectly with the rich sauce. Plus, it serves as a sponge to soak up all that sauce from your plate.
9. Spinach
Now that we’ve discussed the starches, let’s move on to veggies. Here are a few light and refreshing side dishes to balance things out. When it comes to veggies, my top pick is spinach. Flavor it with some garlic and Parmesan and you’ve got a delicious and nutritious side.
10. Asparagus
Another veggie that tastes great with chicken is asparagus. These long stalks of crunchy goodness give a nice contrast to the tenderness of the chicken. You can serve them steamed or sauteed, or give them more flavor by adding a cheese and lemon sauce.
11. Green Beans
Green beans are another crunchy treat that will complement Chicken Marsala. Top with some fresh Parmesan and they’re ready to serve. Or a few crunchy sliced almonds.
12. Roasted Broccolini
Broccolini, broccoli’s delicious cousin, also makes for a wonderful side to Chicken Marsala. They are mildly sweet, slightly earthy, and completely fantastic. While they taste good with salt and pepper, you can kick things up a notch by flavoring it with garlic and tamari. The Japanese soy sauce gives the veggie a beautiful umami flavor.
13. Caprese
Another Italian side that pairs perfectly with Chicken Marsala is Caprese. This easy-breezy salad is so refreshing and colorful! Picture it: sweet red tomatoes, earthy green basil, and rich creamy mozzarella drizzled in a balsamic vinaigrette. It sounds simple, but it’s bursting with flavor. And there you have it! 13 incredible side dishes that pair perfectly with Chicken Marsala. Give these a try and let me know your favorites. Click on a star to rate it!
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