Description
This Chicken Marsala Orzo is a creamy, hearty one-pan dinner that blends the rich flavors of classic Chicken Marsala with tender orzo pasta. Easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that feels restaurant-quality while staying approachable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating chicken)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup (180ml) Marsala cooking wine or broth substitute
- 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat lightly in flour.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large pan and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Aromatics: Melt butter in the same pan. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes, then garlic for 30 seconds.
- Mushrooms: Add mushrooms and sauté 4–5 minutes until browned and softened.
- Deglaze: Pour in Marsala wine (or broth substitute) and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Cook orzo: Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes.
- Creamy finish: Return chicken to the pan. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until creamy.
- Simmer: Cook uncovered 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and orzo is fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with thyme or parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Sear chicken well for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Deglaze the pan thoroughly when adding Marsala for depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook orzo — it should be al dente.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust creaminess by adding extra broth or cream at the end if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Chicken Marsala Orzo, Marsala Recipes, Orzo Dishes, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Savory Chicken Meals