Chicken marsala has a special place in my heart. It takes me back to my early days of dating my hubby.

On our third date, he invites me over to his apartment to cook me his signature dish - chicken marsala, because of course he's trying to impress me.

Now, I thought I was pretty handy in the kitchen, but he whisks up this mushroom wine sauce like he's a bonafide Italian chef!

I take my first bite of tender, juicy chicken dripping in that luxurious marsala sauce and I just about melt into the kitchen chair.

I look up with sauce on my chin and I say, "Oh honey, you can cook for me anytime!"

20 years and 4 picky kids later, chicken marsala is still his best dish (God bless him, he tries).

But over the years, I've learned a thing or two on my quest for the perfect sides to serve with this hubby-winning chicken marsala .

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• Veggies
• Salads
• Starchy Sides
• Desserts
• Drinks
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You need something to balance out the richness and sop up every last drop of that sauce! I've tried everything from bland rice pilafs to overpowering Caesar salads.

Through my trials and errors, I'm breaking down my favorites for y'all so you can avoid side dish fiascos.

Whether you want something crisp, fresh, starchy, or cheesy, I'll make sure you've got options to make your chicken marsala dinner a five star meal from appetizer to desserts and drinks!

Veggies

Sautéed Green Beans

My little angels call these "green noodles," which I think is just hilarious!

All you gotta do is quickly cook some green beans in a pan with a bit of garlic, lemon juice, and salt – done and done!

Plus, it takes almost no time at all (just 4 minutes), giving you more energy to focus on not burning the Chicken Marsala (speaking from experience here...).

You boil the beans for just 4 minutes. They'll turn this beautiful, bright green. Next, toss them in a pan with garlic and a touch of olive oil or butter, if you prefer a richer taste.

They're one of the perfect sides for chicken marsala.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Okay, okay, hear me out! I used to hate Brussels sprouts too, but oh boy, once you roast them, something magical occurs!

Just toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe even throw in some bacon if you're feeling frisky.

Your fam will thank you later, I promise!

Pepperonata

This one is a game-changer!

It's basically a fancy word for sautéed bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Not only does it sound impressive, but it also adds beautiful colors to your table AND pairs perfectly with Chicken Marsala. Win-win-WIN!

Ratatouille

Don't worry; no talking animals involved here! Just a lovely combination of zucchini, eggplant, squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, and various seasonings.

Sounds pretty simple, right?

Well, let me tell you, after one bite, I knew I had struck gold. This dish adds freshness and lightness to the table, balancing out the heavier flavors of the chicken marsala.

Honestly, I could eat bowls of this stuff alone – no shame! It's a great example of what goes with chicken marsala.

Grilled Eggplant

Oh, the humble eggplant – often overlooked, but never disappointing!

Slice it up, brush with olive oil, and throw it on the grill for a smoky, charred flavor that'll make your tastebuds dance.

Add a dash of salt, pepper, and maybe some crushed garlic for an extra kick.

Grilled eggplant pairs beautifully with chicken marsala, adding a touch of sophistication to your meal.

Broccoli Rabe

Don't be fooled by its name – broccoli rabe isn't actually related to regular broccoli!

Instead, it's a leafy green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that mellows out when cooked properly.

Simply blanche the stalks, then sauté them with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of white wine.

The result?

A mouthwatering side dish that holds its own next to chicken marsala. And did I mention it's super healthy too? Win-win!

Caramelized Mushrooms

Umm, helloooooo, did someone say MORE mushrooms?!

Yes, please!

These mushrooms are cooked low and slow in plenty of butter until they're deeply golden and full of meaty flavor.

Trust me, your family won't complain about having too many mushrooms when they taste these bad boys.

5-Minute Sautéed Asparagus with Garlic Butter

Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, this simple asparagus recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

And hey, if you accidentally burn the garlic a teeny tiny bit (not that I've ever done THAT), just tell everyone it's "garlic dust" - they'll never know!

Sautéed Spinach

Gotta sneak those greens in somehow, right?

Luckily, spinach cooks down so much that even the pickiest eaters might be fooled into eating their veggies.

Plus, the iron-rich leaves take on a lovely silkiness when sautéed with garlic and a touch of nutmeg. YUM!

It's like having your very own superhero sidekick join forces with your chicken marsala for an unforgettable dining experience.Popeye would be proud of this powerhouse side dish!

Salads

Caesar Salad

There's just something about a classic Caesar salad that never goes out of style.

Maybe it's the crisp romaine lettuce, maybe it's the homemade Caesar dressing, or maybe it's the shaved parmesan cheese and croutons.

Whatever it is, people go nuts for it!

Its tangy and creamy qualities help cleanse your palettes between bites of chicken marsala

Quinoa Salad

If you're looking for something a bit lighter, may I suggest this fantastic quinoa salad?

Made with cooked quinoa, diced veggies, fresh herbs, and citrus vinaigrette, this dish delivers big on flavor AND nutrition.

This dish is not only colorful and bursting with flavor but also chock-full of protein and fiber, which keeps you full for hours.

Bonus points for being totally Instagram-worthy!

Burrata Caprese Salad

Oh, how I adore a good caprese salad!

But this recipe THIS took things to a whole new level.

By swapping out regular old mozzarella for creamy burrata cheese, it creates magic in your mouths.

Paired with juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and balsamic glaze, this beauty became the belle of the ball.

Italian Radicchio Salad

At first glance, you might think, "Radiwhatnow?"

But trust me, once you take a bite, you'll understand why it earned a spot on this list.

Featuring bitter radicchio leaves combined with thinly sliced fennel, pears, walnuts, and gorgonzola dolce blue cheese, this robust salad stood tall amongst the rest.

Its sharp and tangy components perfectly offset the sweetness found within the marsala sauce, creating harmony on the plate.

Starchy Sides

Pan Roasted Potatoes

If you’re still looking for what to serve with chicken marsala, try this recipe.

Pan-roasted and then seasoned with olive oil infused with garlic, cilantro, parsley, and a bit of spice from red pepper flakes. Yeah, heaven IS possible on earth!

The preparation is also quick. You cut the potatoes, roast them at high heat, prepare the spicy dressing, and toss it all together.

Needless to say, they will disappear faster than free samples at Costco.

Mashed Potatoes

Listen, I could write an entire novel about my love for mashed potatoes, but I'll spare you the details (for now).

Boil your potatoes, mash them up with all butter and warm milk, and season to your liking. That's it!

Just trust me when I say that buttery, creamy mashed potatoes + savory Chicken Marsala = match made in heaven.

Southern Fried Potatoes

Fact: Everything tastes better fried. Am I right?

Well, these golden nuggets of potatoey goodness sure do make my heart sing.

Just wash, peel, and slice up the potatoes, fry them in a hot skillet, and you’re almost done.

Bonus tip: Make extra because leftovers = breakfast win!

Mushroom Risotto

Okay, I'm drooling just thinking about this one. It's one of my go-to dishes when I want something hearty yet sophisticated

Rich, creamy risotto loaded with earthy mushrooms is the ultimate side dish for grown-ups who want to feel fancy while still secretly loving carbs as much as their kids do.

In about 45 minutes, you can serve up a delicious meal that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant

Penne alla Vodka

Look, I'm not gonna lie: I was skeptical about putting pasta on this list.

But once I tried it, I knew it deserved a spot.

Tender penne pasta coated in a rich tomato, vodka, and cream sauce is hard to resist. And you know, the sprinkle of fresh parmesan on top just seals the deal.

Plus, they offer the perfect vessel for transporting all that yummy marsala sauce straight to your mouth!

Egg Noodles

Oh boy, if there's one thing I could eat every day, it's got to be egg noodles!

They're just perfect for sopping up all that luscious Chicken Marsala sauce.

It reminds me of those times when my kids were little, and they'd request "mommy's special noodle soup" after coming home from playing outside.

These noodles are versatile; you can make them thick or thin, long or short. Plus, when you're making your own, you get to decide what goes in them. All you need are some common kitchen staples.

Almond Flour Pasta

Hey, I got friends with gluten sensitivities too, okay?

That's why I included this fabulous find on the list.

With its subtle nutty flavor, it pairs beautifully with the Chicken Marsala without stealing the show.

Plus, who doesn't want an extra dose of protein in their lives?

Wild Rice Pilaf

Say goodbye to boring rice dishes and hello to wild rice pilaf, a blend that has a heartier texture and a rich, nutty flavor!

Packed full of veggies, nuts, and herbs, this dish adds an exciting twist to your typical chicken-and-potatoes combo.

It only takes about an hour to make, and you can play around with different veggies.

Caramelized Carrots

My secret weapon for getting my kiddos to eat their veggies?

Slather them in butter and brown sugar until they turn into these irresistible candied bites!

Yes, yes, I know, it might sound naughty, but trust me, once you try these caramelized carrots next to your Chicken Marsala, you'll understand why I call them a game changer.

Takes about 40 minutes to make them and never fails to get nods of approval at the dinner table.

Pro tip: Make extras because they disappear faster than you can say "rabbit food."

Bread Rolls

Is there anything better than tearing apart a warm, golden loaf of bread and dipping it in a chicken marsala sauce?

I think not!

These bad boys promise a soft center encased by crackling crusts, delivering on every level.

Whipped butter or marsala sauce?

Yes, please!

Polenta

Move aside, pasta!

Polenta is here to steal the spotlight.

Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make, this Italian classic deserves a place in every home cook's rotation.

I remember the first time I tried making it.

At first, I thought it'd be complicated, but it's actually super easy.

You mix cold milk and water in a pot. Then, you just whisk in the instant polenta and let it simmer for a bit.

The best part is, it only takes about ten minutes, and you get this incredible, creamy texture.

Serve it alongside chicken marsala, and prepare to receive compliments galore.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Fall may be over, but that doesn't mean we have to abandon our favorite winter squash!

Enter: butternut squash risotto.

Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this dish is the perfect antidote to post-holiday blues.

If you've got about 30 minutes to spare, you've got enough time to whip this up.

Plus, it's practically foolproof – I promise!

Focaccia Bread

Who needs utensils when you have massive slices of focaccia bread to mop up all that Chicken Marsala glory?

Every time I make it, I feel like a pro, even though it's so simple. Mixing this dough is as easy as counting to five. You don't need any special tools, so just grab a bowl, a spatula, and you're set.

This Italian flatbread is perfect for tearing apart and sharing (or hoarding for yourself - again, NO JUDGMENT).

Spaghetti Pomodoro

Sometimes simplicity reigns supreme, and nothing says "comfort food" quite like a bowl of spaghetti tossed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Spaghetti pomodoro offers a lighter alternative to heavier pasta dishes while still providing that essential carb fix needed beside the rich flavors of Chicken Marsala.

Plus, who doesn't love twirling long strands of pasta against their fork, pretending they're auditioning for Lady & the Tramp?

Lasagna

When you want to go big or go home, lasagna is always a winning choice.

Layers of pasta, ragù, bechamel sauce, and cheese build up to create a towering masterpiece that's as delicious as it is impressive.

Making lasagna at home is pretty straightforward. You need pasta, a meat sauce with Italian sausage and ground beef, and cheese filling.

From start to finish, this labor of love delivers rich, hearty flavors that warm you up from the inside out.

Bring lasagna to the table alongside chicken marsala, and watch as eyes light up with anticipation.

Desserts

Tiramisu

Translation: "pick-me-up." Need I say more?

Ladyfingers soaked in espresso, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder = pure happiness in every bite.

Seriously, this Italian classic has stolen my heart, and probably most of my calories too, but who's counting?

Make sure to dust it with plenty of cocoa powder for maximum effect.

Your taste buds (and your Instagram followers) will thank you.

Panna Cotta with Berry Compote

Just imagine a smooth, creamy dessert that practically melts in your mouth.

That's Panna Cotta. It's Italian for "cooked cream," and it lives up to its name.

It's not just the creaminess that's to die for, but pair it with a fresh berry sauce, and you've got yourself a spoonful of heaven.

But what really sets it apart is the berry sauce, a combination of strawberries, raspberries, a bit of sugar, and lemon juice. It makes the whole thing sing!

And guess what? You can make this dessert in about 20 minutes of active prep time before it chills in the fridge.

And if you plan ahead, you can make it the day before your event, which is a total lifesaver for me.

Lemon Sorbet

After indulging in a heavy meal, sometimes all you need is something light and refreshing to cleanse your palette.

Enter: lemon sorbet.

Made with just four ingredients, this frozen treat is the perfect ending to any Italian feast.

Just heat up the water and sugar, let it cool, and then mix it up with the lemon parts.

If you own an ice cream maker, brilliant, just churn it there. If not, you can still whip it up with a blender or some good old-fashioned stirring in the freezer.

Dark Chocolate Mousse

If there was ever a moment to indulge in some serious chocolate therapy, this is it.

Preparation doesn't take too long, about 30 minutes, but you'll want to let it chill for about four hours – trust me, it's worth the wait

Rich, velvety, and sinfully decadent, this dark chocolate mousse will transport you straight to cloud nine.

Drinks

Red Wine

Is there anything more classic than pairing Italian food with red wine?

Whether you prefer a bold cabernet sauvignon or a smooth pinot noir, there's no denying that a glass of red wine elevates any meal.

White Wine

Not a fan of reds?

No problem!

White wine, particularly a crisp pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, provides a lovely counterpoint to the rich flavors found in chicken marsala.

Sparkling Wine

Pop open a bottle of sparkling wine for those extra-special occasions (or just because!) and toast to the joy of sharing great food and drink with loved ones.

Rosé

Stay trendy with a glass of rosé! Light, fruity, and perfect for any occasion, rosé is the ultimate versatile wine.

Amber Ale

If beer is more your speed, consider cracking open an amber ale. Its malty sweetness pairs wonderfully with chicken marsala, making it a fantastic option for beer enthusiasts.

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