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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and creamy orzo pasta. This comforting Italian-American dish combines savory herbs and garlic with smooth cream to create a perfect, elegant dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This ensures the chicken is flavorful before cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
  5. Add Orzo and Chicken Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  6. Return Chicken and Simmer: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright finish. Serve warm as a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Marsala wine for the best flavor; dry Marsala works best in savory dishes.
  • If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with small pasta like acini di pepe or even couscous.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally when adding orzo to prevent sticking to the pan.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe, one-pot meal, Italian chicken, mushroom chicken, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/marsala-chicken-orzo-recipe-2/