Name: Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with creamy, flavorful sauce and tender orzo pasta. The rich Marsala wine and mushrooms add depth, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

A bowl with three layers: the bottom layer is small, light yellow orzo pasta, sitting evenly spread and soft in texture; the middle layer contains light brown, sliced mushrooms with a slightly glossy, cooked appearance mixed with the orzo; the top layer features several pieces of golden-browned grilled chicken with clear char marks, thick and juicy, scattered over the mushrooms and pasta; bits of chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh, colorful touch; the bowl is white with a rough, matte surface, and the photo is taken on a white marbled texture background; 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 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. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until browned.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the skillet to release the browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 7: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Stir in the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 10: Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 11: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Add baby spinach or peas towards the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of flour before adding the broth to help it thicken.
For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Marsala wine with additional chicken broth and a splash of grape juice.

Storage

Store leftover Marsala Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows three grilled chicken pieces with a golden-brown crust on top, placed on a bed of small, twisted pasta that is light beige in color and appears soft. Scattered throughout and on top of the pasta are sautéed mushroom slices that are light brown with a glossy texture. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled lightly on the chicken and mushrooms for color contrast. The food is served in a deep white bowl, all set against a white 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 couscous, small shells, or even fine egg noodles can work well as substitutes for orzo in this recipe.

Is Marsala wine necessary for this dish?

Marsala wine adds a distinctive sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry or a mixture of chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the flavor.