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Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

This Marsala Chicken Orzo recipe combines tender boneless chicken breasts with aromatic Marsala wine sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy orzo pasta for a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup Marsala wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are softened and fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with Marsala wine: Pour the Marsala wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
  4. Add thyme, broth, and orzo: Stir in the dried thyme, chicken broth, and orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Finish with cream and return chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for another 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to warm through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • You can use other types of mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure to watch the orzo closely to avoid overcooking and turning it mushy.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marsala Chicken, Orzo Pasta, Chicken Marsala, Italian Dinner, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Easy Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/marsala-chicken-orzo-recipe/