Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting and elegant one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a rich Marsala wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms and creamy orzo pasta. This dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with ease, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Orzo and Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes or until they are browned and tender. Add minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Cook the Orzo: Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the Marsala Chicken Orzo hot for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy slicing.
- If Marsala wine is not available, a dry white wine or Marsala wine substitute can be used.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor and color contrast to the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.
Keywords: Marsala Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Mushroom Sauce, One-Pan Dinner, Creamy Chicken Dish, Italian Recipe
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/marsala-chicken-orzo-recipe/
