Savory Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and delicate orzo pasta in a savory Marsala wine sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup Marsala wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the orzo pasta, then pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer gently until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve the chicken alongside the creamy orzo and mushrooms.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream at the end of cooking.
- Substitute cremini or button mushrooms if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use dry white wine instead of Marsala if it’s not available, though Marsala provides a distinctive sweetness.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhances the aroma and taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the orzo seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly before cooking.
Is Marsala wine necessary for the flavor?
Marsala wine adds a unique sweetness and depth, but dry white wine or grape juice with a splash of vinegar can be used as alternatives if needed.
PrintSavory Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
Marsala Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pot dish combining tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and nutty orzo pasta simmered in rich Marsala wine and savory chicken broth. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers deep Italian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Orzo Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
Liquids
- 3/4 cup Marsala wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Orzo, Marsala, and Broth: Return the chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour in the orzo pasta, Marsala wine, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Use dry Marsala wine for a rich, slightly sweet flavor; avoid cooking sherry or sweet dessert wines.
- Mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or button mushrooms based on preference.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Keywords: Marsala chicken, orzo pasta recipe, chicken mushroom Marsala, Italian chicken dinner, one-pot orzo, easy chicken recipe
