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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

5.1 from 11 reviews

This Marsala Chicken Orzo recipe is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms, served over creamy orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish combines savory flavors with a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 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

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic until mushrooms are soft and browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the wine reduces by half, around 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken breasts to the pan. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to warm through.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
  • You can use white wine instead of Marsala if unavailable, though the flavor will differ slightly.
  • If preferred, cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces for quicker cooking and easier serving.
  • Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried, adjust quantity accordingly.
  • Ensure to keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks to avoid overcooking or sticking.

Nutrition

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