Craving that rich, decadent Marsala sauce from Carrabba's Italian Grill? You don't need a reservation or a long drive – this recipe brings the restaurant's signature taste right to your kitchen! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, proving that delicious, restaurant-quality food can be surprisingly simple to make at home. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this homemade culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Essentials
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. No need to scour specialty stores; you likely already have most of these in your pantry!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine (a good quality one makes a difference!)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Restaurant-Quality Sauce at Home
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying your homemade Carrabba's-style Marsala sauce in no time. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, so don't hesitate to adjust to your taste!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze with Marsala: Pour in the Marsala wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce slightly, about 2 minutes.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Create a Roux: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and butter until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering sauce. This will thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
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Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in during the last minute of cooking.
Tips & Variations: Elevate Your Culinary Game
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of chicken broth and beef broth.
- Add some mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 5g
This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this homemade Marsala sauce is sure to become a new family favorite! Serve it over chicken, veal, pork, or even pasta for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy!