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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 37 reviews

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, sautéed mushrooms, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich Marsala wine and creamy sauce. This Italian-inspired dish balances savory and slightly sweet notes, making it a comforting and elegant dinner option that comes together in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Orzo 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

  1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  2. Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they are nicely browned and have released their moisture.
  3. Add Garlic and Thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
  4. Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes so it reduces slightly and intensifies in flavor.
  5. Cook the Orzo: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta, cover partially, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite.
  6. Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
  • If Marsala wine is unavailable, dry sherry or a sweet white wine can be used as a substitute.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
  • Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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

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