Name: Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 cup Marsala wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Introduction

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful mushrooms and creamy orzo pasta in a rich Marsala wine sauce. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something both elegant and easy to prepare.

A black cast iron skillet filled with a dish showing four pieces of golden brown cooked chicken breasts placed evenly on top of a creamy mushroom and orzo rice base; the orzo is light brown with small mushroom slices mixed in, and everything is sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with some scattered chopped herbs around. To the left is a striped gray and white cloth. Two clear glasses of water and a bunch of green parsley are arranged near the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and softened.
Step 6: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
Step 8: Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 9: Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 10: Stir in the orzo pasta, cooking for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 11: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 12: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet to warm through and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 13: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the dish hot.

Tips & Variations

For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in Marsala wine and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a deeper mushroom flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but expect a slightly thinner consistency.
Add a handful of fresh spinach or peas near the end of cooking for added color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer has light brown orzo pasta mixed with cooked mushroom slices, the middle layer features two golden-brown, pan-seared chicken breasts, and the top layer is sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley. A black and silver fork rests inside the bowl on the left side, partially touching the orzo. To the left of the bowl, there is a white cloth with gray stripes on a white marbled surface. Above the bowl, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley and two clear glasses of water. Part of a second white bowl with the same dish and a fork is visible in the top right corner. Small parsley pieces are scattered on the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.

What can I substitute for Marsala wine if I don’t have it?

You can use dry sherry, Madeira, or a mix of white grape juice and a splash of vinegar as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.