Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
This Marsala Chicken Orzo is a delicious one-pan meal featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Marsala wine sauce with sautéed mushrooms and tender orzo pasta. The dish combines rich flavors and a comforting texture, making it perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they are nicely browned and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release all the browned bits stuck to the surface. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating its flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture 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.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and warm them through in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- If Marsala wine is unavailable, dry sherry or a dry white wine can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, mushroom Marsala sauce
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/marsala-chicken-orzo-recipe/
