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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

4.6 from 121 reviews

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and earthy mushrooms simmered with orzo pasta in a rich Marsala wine and chicken broth sauce. This Italian-inspired dish offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a creamy texture, ideal for a fulfilling weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3/4 cup Marsala wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté until they are tender and have released their moisture, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add orzo, wine, and broth: Return the chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Stir to combine well.
  4. Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the orzo is cooked, adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
  • You can substitute cremini or button mushrooms with shiitake or portobello for a deeper flavor.
  • Dry Marsala wine is preferred for this recipe to avoid excessive sweetness.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, mushroom dinner, one-pan meal, Italian recipe, quick chicken dinner