Chicken Davinci
Chicken Davinci features tender chicken and sausage simmered in Marsala wine with mushrooms and herbs, served over pasta for a flavorful, hearty Italian-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-oz. cubes ⓘ
- 3 to 4 oz. mild Italian sausage link, cut into 1-oz. slices ⓘ
- 3 to 4 mushrooms, sliced or quartered ⓘ
- 2 to 3 fresh scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1/4 c. Marsala wine ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1/4 c. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. flour, seasoned with salt and pepper ⓘ
- 4 oz. pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Dredge chicken and sausage in seasoned flour and shake off any excess.
- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil until hot but not smoking.
- Add chicken and sausage and brown on each side for about 2 minutes.
- Carefully add Marsala wine and cook about 1 minute, allowing it to flame if using gas.
- Add sliced or quartered mushrooms, chopped scallions, garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme; cook for 1 more minute.
- Add chicken bouillon and Worcestershire sauce; reduce heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes more.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare pasta as desired and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Plate the pasta, leaving a nest in the middle, and spoon the chicken and sauce over.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken bouillon instead of store-bought. You can substitute white wine for Marsala if needed, but the taste will differ slightly. If you prefer a lighter option, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. Adding some fresh spinach towards the end of cooking can enhance the dish, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal. Serve with Peas With Prosciutto for a delightful side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Davinci over a bed of your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a satisfying meal. It's delicious with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Consider pairing it with a glass of Chardonnay to complement the flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with Lemon Chicken Parmesan for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Davinci can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Ensure pasta is separated or added fresh to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Davinci contains roughly 462 calories, with 27g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (182% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), and calcium (104% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1463mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken brown properly. For quicker preparation, consider using pre-cooked chicken, although the flavor might not be as rich.
What can I substitute if I don't have Marsala wine?
If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can substitute it with a sweet vermouth or a mixture of grape juice and a splash of vinegar. While the flavor will vary slightly, these alternatives can still provide a nice depth to your sauce.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat to your Chicken Davinci, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of mild. Adjust the amount to your preference to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).