Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (2024)

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Last Updated on November 27, 2023

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is an Italian-American classic sauce. This sauce is made with marsala wine, mushrooms, and some seasonings.

It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta dishes, or for adding a unique flavor to steaks, chicken, and other meats.

It’s also great as a dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the delicious taste of Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce and provide a recipe so you can start making it at home!

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

What Is Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is a US based restaurant shop. Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is a classic Italian-American sauce that is made with marsala wine, mushrooms, and herbs; which is one their most famous dip.

It’s perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta dishes, or for adding a unique flavor to steaks, chicken, and other meats. It’s also great as a dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables.

This sauce is rich and creamy, and it has a slightly sweet flavor that is balanced with the savory notes of the marsala wine and mushrooms.

Why You’ll Love This Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is a classic Italian-American sauce that is easy to make at home. It’s the perfect way to add some flavor to your favorite dishes. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

The savory notes of the marsala wine and mushrooms give it a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, steaks, chicken, and other meats. Plus, it’s a great dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables.

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How Does It Taste Like?

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce has a unique flavor that is slightly sweet, creamy, and full of flavor. The savory notes of the marsala wine and mushrooms give it a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, steaks, chicken, and other meats. Plus, it’s a great dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables.

Ingredients

To prepare the Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce, you’ll need these following ingredients:

all purpose flour (½ tbsp): Flour is used as a thickening agent for the Marsala sauce. It helps create a smooth and velvety consistency, enhancing the texture of the sauce.

chicken broth (3/8 cup): Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the Marsala sauce. It adds depth, umami, and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

button mushrooms (thinly sliced-5 oz): Mushrooms add a rich, savory flavor and a meaty texture to the Marsala sauce. They are a classic component in Marsala sauce, providing depth and complexity.

unsalted butter (melted-1.5 tbsp): Butter adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the Marsala sauce. It helps create a smooth and glossy texture, contributing to the overall indulgence of the dish.

yellow onions (finely chopped-1.5 tbsp): Finely chopped yellow onions add a sweet and mild onion flavor to the sauce. They contribute to the aromatic base of the sauce, enhancing its overall taste.

sliced prosciutto (cut into thin strips-1 oz): Prosciutto, a cured Italian ham, adds a salty and savory element to the sauce. It contributes to the richness of the Marsala sauce and complements the other flavors in the dish.

Marsala (cooking wine-3/8 cup): Marsala cooking wine is a key ingredient that imparts a sweet and fortified wine flavor to the sauce. It is a signature component of Marsala sauce, providing depth and complexity.

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (2)

Directions

Making this Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is incredibly easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Button Mushrooms

Begin the culinary journey by meticulously cleaning and thinly slicing the button mushrooms. This step ensures that the mushrooms, a key component of the Marsala sauce, are primed for a delightful infusion of flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

Transition to the aromatic base of the sauce by finely chopping the yellow onions. These onions will play a crucial role in lending a sweet and savory depth to the Marsala concoction.

Step 3: Thinly Slice Prosciutto

Introduce a layer of indulgence by cutting the prosciutto into thin strips. This artisanal touch adds a salty and savory dimension to the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

Set the stage for the sautéing adventure by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter provides a luxurious foundation for the Marsala sauce.

Step 5: Caramelized the Onions and Mushrooms

Immerse the finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms into the melted butter, allowing them to sauté until the onions achieve a translucent state and the mushrooms tenderize. This aromatic dance creates the flavorful base of the Marsala sauce.

Step 6: Add the All-Purpose Flour

Elevate the texture and consistency by sprinkling flour over the mushroom and onion medley. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste, ensuring a velvety and well-incorporated base for the sauce.

Step 7: Sauté the Prosciutto

Introduce the prosciutto into the pan, allowing it to cook for a minute or two. This brief cooking period infuses the essence of prosciutto into the mixture, contributing to the overall richness and complexity of the Marsala sauce.

Step 8: Add Marsala Wine

Enter the realm of richness by pouring Marsala cooking wine into the pan. Stir diligently to combine the wine with the mushroom mixture, initiating the transformation into a luscious Marsala sauce.

Step 9: Pour the Chicken Broth

Further enrich the sauce by pouring chicken broth into the pan, continuing the stirring process. Ensure that all ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a cohesive and flavorful symphony.

Step 10: Let it Simmer

Allow the Marsala sauce to simmer over medium heat, patiently awaiting the magic to unfold. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until it achieves the desired thickness, a key determinant of its luxurious consistency.

Step 11: Adjust Seasoning

Embark on a sensory exploration by tasting the sauce. Adjust the seasoning to perfection, adding salt and pepper according to individual preferences. This step ensures a personalized touch to the Marsala sauce.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy

With the Marsala sauce now reaching its desired thickness, gracefully remove it from the heat. This delectable creation is now ready to be served, elevating your favorite protein, whether it be chicken or veal, into a culinary masterpiece. Each spoonful promises a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight the palate.

Tips

• For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream or half-and-half.
• To give the sauce a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.
• To make the sauce spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• To make the sauce lighter, use white wine instead of marsala wine.
• To give the sauce a zesty flavor, add a bit of lemon zest.

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (3)

Nutrition Information

One serving of Carrabba’s Marsala sauce contains

  • 140 calories
  • 8 grams of fat
  • 8 grams of carbohydrates; and
  • 3 grams of protein.

How to Store Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until heated through.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

If you don’t have marsala wine on hand, you can substitute with dry white wine, sherry, or port wine. You could also use chicken or beef broth instead of the marsala wine. For a richer flavor, you could add a tablespoon of cream or half-and-half. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you could use dried parsley flakes instead.

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (4)

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is an Italian-American classic sauce. This sauce is made with marsala wine, mushrooms, and some seasonings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe

Servings: 5 Servings

Calories: 140kcal

Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Stove

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • saucepan

  • Cutting Board

  • Grater

  • knife

  • Mixing Bowls

  • Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon

  • small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tbsp flour all-purpose
  • 5 oz button mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1.5 tbsp yellow onions finely chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 3/8 cup chicken broth
  • 3/8 cup marsala cooking wine
  • 1 oz sliced prosciutto cut into thin strips

Instructions

  • Prepare Mushrooms: Clean and thinly slice the button mushrooms.

  • Chop Onions: Finely chop the yellow onions.

  • Slice Prosciutto: Cut the prosciutto into thin strips.

  • Heat the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

  • Saute: Add the finely chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the melted butter. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender.

  • Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom and onion mixture, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste.

  • Cook Prosciutto: Add the sliced prosciutto to the pan, allowing it to cook for a minute or two, infusing its flavor into the mixture.

  • Pour Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala cooking wine into the pan, stirring to combine with the mushroom mixture.

  • Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pan, continuing to stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.

  • Simmer: Allow the Marsala sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

  • Add Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding salt and pepper according to your preference.

  • Serve: Once the Marsala sauce reaches the desired thickness, remove it from the heat. It’s now ready to be served over your favorite protein, such as chicken or veal.

Notes

• For a creamier sauce, add a tablespoon of cream or half-and-half.

• To give the sauce a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke.

• To make the sauce spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• To make the sauce lighter, use white wine instead of marsala wine.

• To give the sauce a zesty flavor, add a bit of lemon zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I make Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until heated through.

Q2. Can I freeze Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze Carrabba’s Marsala sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q3. Is Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce vegetarian?

No, Carrabba’s Marsala sauce is not vegetarian, as it contains prosciutto.

Q4. Can I use a different type of wine for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the marsala wine with dry white wine, sherry, or port wine.

Q5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. However, the flavor will be a bit different.

Q6. Can I use this sauce on other dishes besides pasta?

Yes, you can use this sauce on other dishes such as steaks, chicken, and other meats. It’s also great as a dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables.

Q7. How many calories are in one serving of Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce?

One serving of Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce contains 140 calories.

Conclusion

Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce is an Italian-American classic sauce that is full of flavor and easy to make at home. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

The savory notes of the marsala wine and mushrooms give it a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes, steaks, chicken, and other meats.

Plus, it’s a great dip for breads, crackers, and vegetables. With this recipe, you can make this delicious sauce in your own kitchen!

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Carrabba’s Marsala Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What brand of Marsala wine does Carrabba's use? ›

Our Marsala sauce is made from Imported Lombardo Marsala wine from Sicily. That's what I'm screaming. By Carrabba's of MetairieFacebook.

What is Chicken Marsala at Carrabba's? ›

Wood-grilled and topped with mushrooms and our Lombardo Marsala wine sauce. Served with your choice of side.

What is Marsala sauce made of? ›

Add olive oil to heavy hot saucepan. Add onions, garlic, mushrooms, saute until mushrooms are tender. Add flour and cook about 1 minute then deglaze pan with Marsala wine. Add beef stock and cook until thick and flavors are blended.

How do you make Marsala sauce thicker? ›

Marsala sauce traditionally calls for a spoonful of flour to act as a thickening agent, but mascarpone is thick enough to preclude the need for flour. It's thus a great option if you're looking for a gluten-free marsala sauce.

Which Marsala wine is best for Chicken Marsala? ›

Use dry marsala rather than sweet marsala which is more commonly used in desserts. Sub with port wine, sherry, or madeira. For non alcoholic version, better to make Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce! 4.

What kind of Marsala wine is good for Chicken Marsala? ›

I recommend using either semi-secco (semi-sweet) or secco (dry) marsala for this recipe. I used Cantine Pellegrino Fine I.P. Marsala here. Don't use sweet!

What is Carrabba's meat sauce made of? ›

The classic dish is made fresh every day in-house at Carrabba's, and the meat sauce is made with fresh ingredients like ground beef and pork, chopped onions, celery and finely chopped carrots.

What is the difference between masala and Marsala sauce? ›

Marsala is sweet dessert wine, it is not typically used for drinking like a Chianti or Montepulciano, but cooking and marinades. Masala is a spice blend using in Indian cooking. It contains all brown spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and cumin.

What is a substitute for Marsala sauce? ›

The best substitute for marsala wine is madeira, another kind of fortified wine with a similar flavour profile. Other alternatives include other fortified wines such as commandaria, sherry, vermouth, and port.

Does the alcohol cook out in Marsala sauce? ›

The sauce is made with Marsala wine which is a dry and sweet wine which has a 15-20% alcohol content but don't worry, all of the alcohol will cook out of the sauce. The wine creates a nutty and rich caramelized sauce for the chicken.

How much alcohol is in Marsala sauce? ›

Characteristics and types. Marsala is produced using the Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto and Damaschino white grape varietals, among others. Marsala contains about 15–20% alcohol by volume. Different Marsala wines are classified according to their color, sweetness, and duration of their ageing.

Why is my marsala sauce runny? ›

When the Marsala sauce has begun to boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer it. The liquid should reduce by half and thicken. If the Chicken Marsala sauce is not thick enough, you can combine 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free version) with 1 teaspoon of the sauce in a small bowl.

How long does it take for marsala sauce to thicken? ›

Deglaze the pan by pouring in the marsala, and cook for about 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium, stir in beef broth and port, and cook until sauce starts to reduce and thicken to your preference, 10 to 12 minutes.

Does butter thicken sauce? ›

Butter does not provide any thickening to a sauce, since it is made of just fat and water. But a chunk of butter, salted or unsalted, swirled into a sauce at the end, can temporarily emulsify a sauce, while adding richness and sheen, all of which are good things.

What is the difference between marsala wine and dry marsala wine? ›

Aside from the obvious—sweet Marsala tasted sweeter than dry—tasters noted that the dry samples featured raisin and prune flavors balanced by sharp acidity and savory, nutty notes.

Do you use red or white marsala wine for Chicken Marsala? ›

The sweet and savory marsala sauce is a great match with the complex notes of red wines, while the chicken itself pairs well with white wines.

Does Carrabba's have steak Marsala? ›

It is easy to prepare, quite impressive and loaded with complex flavors and textures! When my mom and I go to Carrabba's for dinner, she orders the Marsala topped Filet and I order the Shrimp Scampi topped Filet.

Is Cribari Marsala good for Chicken Marsala? ›

Marsala Wine Options

Sometimes I only have Cribari Marsala available to me, and though it's sweet, it's balanced enough to work in this dish.

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