Description
This easy Marsala sauce recipe offers a rich and creamy complement to meats and pasta, featuring sautéed mushrooms and onions simmered in Marsala wine and finished with cream. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch for a luscious texture and enhanced with Dijon mustard and fresh parsley for added depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: Add the olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, proceed to the next step.
- Sauté mushrooms and onions: Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture, it evaporates, and both mushrooms and onions are nicely seared.
- Add garlic and Dijon mustard: Reduce heat to medium, stir in the minced garlic and Dijon mustard, and cook for approximately 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Marsala wine: Pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer for 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to reduce slightly without evaporating completely.
- Add cream and thicken sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Mix the cornstarch with 1/2 teaspoon of cold water until smooth, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve the sauce immediately with your choice of meat or pasta.
Notes
- Use dry Marsala wine for an authentic flavor. Sweet Marsala can also be used but will alter the sauce’s sweetness.
- For a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch slightly but be cautious to avoid lumping.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal brightness but can be omitted or replaced with thyme.
- This sauce pairs excellently with chicken, veal, or pasta dishes.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
