An deliciously low carb and healthy version of the classic Chicken Marsala. This fun twist uses chicken sausages for an easy keto meal. This post is sponsored by al fresco all natural®.
Sometimes I forget that things can be easy. Almost every day, I feel that rising sense of panic, wondering what I am going to feed my family for dinner. They like to eat, I like them to eat healthfully, and none of us likes to eat the same thing day in and day out. So I feel this intense pressure to work some kitchen magic and put a super creative and delicious meal on the table every night. I mean, I am a food blogger, after all; what else do I have to do with my time? Oh, you know, writing a cookbook, promoting things on social media, answering reader questions, editing photos, writing up blog posts, playing webmaster. This foodblogging thing is a total snap! (In case you miss my tone here, imagine it dripping with sarcasm).
I have a tendency to over-complicate things in my head sometimes, forgetting that simple recipes can be just as delicious as very involved recipes. Sometimes more so, because you’re relaxed after making it and can enjoy it more. And the kids tend to appreciate the easy meals more than the complicated ones. In fact, I believe there may be an inverse relationship between how hard I’ve worked on dinner and how much my kids like it. So sometimes it’s a huge relief to me to remember that dinner can be, and perhaps should be, easy.
It’s also really lovely to discover that even the classics, those gourmet recipes you build up in your mind as complex and time-consuming, can be adapted to be easy. The folks at al fresco all natural® recently asked me to re-envision a classic chicken dish with their fully cooked chicken sausages. I’ve loved the al fresco® brand ever since I discovered it, which has to be about a decade ago now. They have incredibly flavourful products that my whole family loves, and many of them fit the low carb lifestyle easily. And those fully cooked sausages really do make for easy peasy dinners.
They are delicious on their own, of course, but it was a fun challenge to work them into a “classic” chicken dish. I had to mull over things I’d never tried before because I wanted to challenge myself (see? Over-complicating things again, of course!). But Chicken Marsala was a perfect fit. The original is pretty easy unto itself and using fully cooked chicken sausage makes it even easier. Ridiculously easy. Like “oops, did I forget to actually cook dinner?” easy. Bonus that the chicken sausage doesn’t require dredging in flour before hand to brown nicely and look gorgeous on the plate.
I used the Red Pepper & Asiago al fresco® sausages but this would also be great with the Sweet Italian. Or any flavour, really, although I advise against the spicy ones, as they may overpower your delicious marsala mushroom cream sauce! I highly recommend serving over mashed cauliflower to soak up all that lovely sauce.
Chicken Sausage Marsala
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 al fresco® fully cooked chicken sausages
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 shallot minced
- 10 oz crimini or button mushrooms sliced
- Salt and pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ cup dry Marsala wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sausages and cook until heated through, and golden brown on all sides, 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate.
- Add the butter to the pan and let melt. Add the shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and the sage.
- Pour the marsala over the mushrooms and let cook until the wine is reduced by about half. Add the broth and the whipping cream and bring to a boil. Let cook until sauce is thickened.
- Pour mushrooms and sauce over the sausages. Serve over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower.
Notes
Total fat: 28.06g
Calories from fat: 247
Cholesterol: 128mg
Carbohydrate: 5.55g
Total dietary fiber: 0.44g
Protein: 16.77g
Many thanks to al fresco all natural® for partnering with me to bring you this recipe.
Marc Rouse says
Looks great, but it is categorized as Indian cuisine (Masala). Marsala is Italian fortified wine. The recipe is definitely Italian.
Carolyn says
Okay that’s very strange and must be something with my recipe card. Thanks for the heads up… I never ever considered this Indian!
Leslie Baker says
Carolyn, This is one of my favorite dinners right now. The sauce is divine and the switch of the chicken sausage for regular chicken makes it come together quickly.
Crystal Tribbett says
I made this recipe tonight. I’ve been keto for a long time and my regret is not finding this recipe sooner. I really think this might have just moved to the top as one of my all-time favorites. I’ve had chicken sausage before and walked away unimpressed, but something about the way this recipe puts everything together – the final dish is greater than its parts. I was sad when I felt full, but I’m looking forward to my leftovers! Additionally, I’m working on a freezer stash of keto meals as I’m due to have a baby in April and this meal needs to be added to that stash because I’ve already decided it’s going to be one of the first things I want in the week after giving birth. Yes – it’s really just that good! Thank you thank you! I pull recipe from your blog all the time and love your work so much. But I really wanted to write a review for this!
Carolyn says
Wow, thanks so much, Crystal. And congrats on the baby to be!
Joy Franklin says
I love reading and trying your recipes, and this one looks delicious! Is there anything that could be used in place of the marsala wine?
Carolyn says
Not that I know of. It won’t be chicken marsala without the marsala wine. You could maybe try just some chicken stock.
Win at The Equipped Cook says
What a great idea. I like simple recipes, it means I make them more often! I think the family will like this one. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Missy says
OK, so I admit that I find it a little annoying when folks leave reviews for recipes they haven’t tried yet. I like to read reviews to see what others think and if they have any add’l tips, etc. I fixed this for supper tonight and it is glorious! Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes, I really appreciate all of the work you do!
Carolyn says
Well I appreciate that you left a REAL review! 🙂
fabiola@notjustbaked says
No joke making this for dinner tomorrow. This looks awesome!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
Al fresco sausages are the BEST! LOVE the mushrooms in this!
christine says
I’m a huge fan of chicken sausage. This is such a great idea to dress it up a bit. Love it and I know my husband will too.
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
I love Marsala! I never would have thought to use sausage in place of the traditional chicken though. Looks delicious! 🙂
Ashley @ wishes and dishes says
I’m currently in panic mode wondering what to make for dinner and tempted to out and buy everything to make this!
Amanda|The Kitcheneer says
I really love this recipe! Perfectly paleo friendly!
Alyssa | EverydayMaven says
Chicken Marsala is one of my all-time favs! I never thought to use the sauce over chicken sausage – brilliant!
Nicole says
I usually love the simple recipes more. More time to enjoy dinner with the family! This dinner looks awesome 🙂
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
What an awesome recipe!! I never thought to make this with chicken sausage! I can’t wait to make this!