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Marsala Chicken Orzo 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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