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Savory Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

4.6 from 147 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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