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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

4.9 from 136 reviews

This Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered with earthy mushrooms in a rich Marsala wine sauce, and complemented by creamy orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines Italian-inspired flavors with simple, elegant cooking techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Main 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

Cooking Fats and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until browned. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the skillet to release browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Add the 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 has absorbed some of the liquid.
  5. Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet to warm through, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Garnish the Marsala chicken orzo with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • If Marsala wine is not available, dry sherry or white wine can be used as alternatives.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • To enhance flavor, allow the chicken and orzo to rest in the sauce off the heat for a few minutes before serving.
  • Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.

Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, one-pan dinner, Italian chicken recipe