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Marsala Chicken Orzo

Marsala Chicken Orzo

4.8 from 17 reviews

This delicious Marsala Chicken Orzo recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered in a creamy Marsala wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms and orzo pasta. It’s a perfect one-pan dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for an elegant yet comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. 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 they are browned and tender. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits from cooking the chicken and mushrooms. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes so it reduces slightly and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
  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 pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let it warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Serve: Garnish the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
  • If Marsala wine is unavailable, dry sherry or white wine are good substitutes.
  • Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it entirely.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, mushroom sauce, easy dinner recipe