Introduction

Chicken Marsala Orzo is a delightful and modern twist on the classic Italian dish, Chicken Marsala. This dish combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a savory Marsala wine sauce, all served over orzo pasta for a comforting, hearty meal. The addition of the orzo gives this dish a new texture and makes it perfect for those who enjoy a filling yet elegant dinner.

Marsala wine, a fortified wine from Sicily, adds a rich and slightly sweet depth to the sauce, complementing the juicy chicken and the pasta beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, Chicken Marsala Orzo will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for bold, flavorful Italian-inspired cuisine.

This recipe is simple enough for beginner home cooks but still feels sophisticated enough for a gourmet dinner. You’ll enjoy the ease of preparation and the complex flavors of this dish, making it a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala Orzo

Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms creates a deeply flavorful sauce that is the star of this dish. The wine adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements of the chicken and mushrooms.
Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are seared to perfection, locking in moisture and tenderness, making every bite a juicy experience.
Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Orzo, a small, rice-shaped pasta, absorbs the delicious Marsala sauce beautifully, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. The dish is hearty yet elegant, offering an elevated dinner experience without requiring hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder: With just one pan for cooking the chicken and sauce, and one pot for the orzo, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without worrying about a mountain of dishes.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, Chicken Marsala Orzo is a versatile dish that fits any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4 servings
Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 450-500 kcal
Fat: 15-18g
Carbohydrates: 45-50g
Protein: 30-35g
Fiber: 2-3g
Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marsala Orzo:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup dry Marsala wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
4 cups water (for cooking orzo)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and allow it to absorb the delicious sauce as it cooks.

2. Cook the Orzo

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add the orzo and a pinch of salt. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.

3. Sear the Chicken

While the orzo is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, keeping it warm.

4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

5. Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender and browned.

6. Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour in the Marsala wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits left on the bottom from searing the chicken. The wine will add depth and richness to the sauce, infusing the mushrooms and onions with a beautiful flavor. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

7. Add Chicken Broth and Butter

Once the wine has reduced, add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer for a couple of minutes, and then add the butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce becomes velvety.

8. Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the sauce.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at this point, allowing it to heat through.

9. Serve Over Orzo

Once the chicken is done and the sauce is thickened, slice the chicken into strips or serve whole, depending on your preference. Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked orzo pasta, making sure to spoon plenty of the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top.

10. Garnish and Enjoy

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your Chicken Marsala Orzo!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Marsala Orzo

Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, you can lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step helps them cook more uniformly and prevents them from drying out.
Use Good Quality Marsala Wine: Since Marsala wine is the key flavoring in the sauce, using a good quality bottle will make a noticeable difference. Look for a dry Marsala wine, which has the best balance of sweetness and depth for this dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing the mushrooms, make sure to give them enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than brown, resulting in a less flavorful sauce.
Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a touch of extra Marsala wine if you want a more pronounced flavor.
Make it Ahead: Chicken Marsala Orzo can be made ahead. Simply store the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the orzo in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat everything on the stovetop and serve over freshly cooked orzo.

Variations of Chicken Marsala Orzo

Chicken Marsala with Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce before serving. The spinach wilts nicely into the sauce and adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Chicken Marsala with Asparagus: For a more spring-inspired dish, add blanched asparagus spears to the skillet along with the chicken. The tender asparagus will complement the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and Marsala sauce.
Vegetarian Marsala Orzo: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or tofu. Sauté the vegetables in the same way as the chicken, and proceed with the Marsala sauce as usual.
Spicy Chicken Marsala Orzo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Marsala sauce for a bit of heat. This adds a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich wine sauce.
Lemon Chicken Marsala Orzo: For a bright, citrusy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the sauce just before serving. The acidity of the lemon will balance out the sweetness of the Marsala wine.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Marsala Orzo is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use. To store, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you need to store the dish for a longer period, you can freeze the Chicken Marsala Orzo. To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce (without orzo) in a freezer-safe container. The orzo can be cooked fresh when you’re ready to serve. The dish will stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Marsala Orzo

While Chicken Marsala Orzo is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can take it to the next level:

Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra Marsala sauce. The buttery, garlicky bread pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini, make a fantastic side dish. The caramelized flavors of the roasted veggies add an extra layer of taste to the meal.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the Marsala sauce and provide a refreshing contrast.
Steamed Broccoli: For a healthy and easy side dish, steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Marsala Orzo is a beautifully balanced dish, offering savory chicken, rich Marsala wine sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and satisfying texture. With a few simple steps, you can create a meal that feels luxurious yet is easy enough for any home cook to prepare.

From tips and variations to storage ideas, this recipe ensures that your Chicken Marsala Orzo will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy this Italian-inspired dish, and let it become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Chicken Marsala Orzo

Preparation and Cooking Time