Shrimp Marsala is a delightful twist on the classic Italian Marsala chicken, featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, savory sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, and herbs. This dish combines the sweetness of fresh shrimp with the deep, slightly sweet flavor of Marsala wine to create a meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Shrimp Marsala is sure to impress your family and friends with its gourmet flair while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a seafood lover looking to expand your recipe repertoire or someone seeking a flavorful, quick dinner option, this Shrimp Marsala recipe is a must-try. The balance of tender shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and the fragrant wine sauce makes every bite an explosion of taste.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it versatile and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp Marsala is a fantastic dish because it combines simplicity with sophistication. The ingredients are straightforward, yet the resulting flavors are complex and rich.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The Marsala wine adds a unique sweetness and depth that elevates the shrimp.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Impressive: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine (sweet or dry, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a fresh finish
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for mixing optional lemon juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze with Marsala wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the butter until melted and combined for a rich, silky texture.
- Return shrimp to the skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Add parsley and optional lemon juice: Stir in fresh parsley and, if desired, a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Shrimp Marsala hot over your choice of sides.
Tips & Variations
“To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on heat too long.”
- Use fresh shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water in the sauce.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
- Vegetable additions: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
- Wine alternatives: If Marsala wine is unavailable, dry sherry or a sweet white wine can be a substitute.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Marsala pairs beautifully with various sides to complement its rich sauce. Consider serving it over:
- Angel hair pasta or fettuccine tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic
- Mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal
- Steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce
- Crusty Italian bread for dipping and savoring every drop of sauce
- Light sautéed greens such as spinach or kale to balance the richness
Conclusion
Shrimp Marsala is an elegant, flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Its rich Marsala wine sauce, tender shrimp, and earthy mushrooms come together to create a meal that’s both impressive and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary rotation.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring the taste of Italy to your home kitchen with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make this recipe your own.
For more delicious seafood and Italian-inspired dishes, check out our Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe, Classic Chicken Marsala, and Mushroom Risotto Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Shrimp Marsala Wine Recipe
Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp dish cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and mushrooms to the skillet; sauté until mushrooms soften.
- Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in Marsala wine and chicken broth; simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return shrimp to skillet; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter and parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 8 g
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