Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with creamy orzo pasta in a rich Marsala wine sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Carefully pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth and orzo. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat.
• Add mushrooms with the onion for extra depth of flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes before stirring in the cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like Israeli couscous or small shells work well as substitutes, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have Marsala wine?

You can substitute dry sherry or a dry white wine, but avoid sweet wines as they will change the flavor profile of the dish.

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a creamy and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. This recipe brings together the savory taste of Italian seasoning, garlic, and onions simmered with Marsala wine and chicken broth, finished with creamy heavy cream for a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: Grace
• 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 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta and Grains

• 1 cup orzo pasta

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare the pan for cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in Marsala Wine: Carefully add the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo pasta, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Stir in Cream: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream thoroughly and let the dish cook for another 2 minutes to heat the cream through.
8. Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

• Ensure to brown the chicken well to develop depth of flavor before adding liquids.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
• For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or omit it altogether.
• Use a good quality Marsala wine for authentic flavor; dry or sweet Marsala can be used depending on your taste preference.
• Cook the orzo uncovered if you want a firmer texture, but keep an eye to avoid drying out.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger groups, just use a bigger skillet or pot.

Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta, creamy chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, Italian chicken recipe, easy stovetop dinner