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Chicken Marsala Orzo

Chicken Marsala Orzo

Forget juggling multiple pots and pans; this dish simplifies elegance. We’re talking maximum flavor impact with minimal cleanup effort – the perfect combination for busy evenings or when you just want comforting deliciousness without the fuss. It’s sophisticated enough for guests yet easy enough for a Tuesday. Ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table? Try this Chicken Marsala Orzo tonight—you won’t believe how simple it is!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 large Shallot, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup Dry Marsala Wine
  • 1 cup Uncooked Orzo Pasta
  • 3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Add shallots and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Pour in Marsala wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up the fond. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce by half.
  5. Stir in uncooked orzo, then pour in chicken broth and mix well. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Uncover and stir in heavy cream and butter. Return chicken to skillet and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Stir in chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For maximum umami flavor, let your mushrooms brown deeply without stirring too often. Don’t rinse the orzo—its starch helps thicken the sauce. Serve with a bright green salad or garlic-roasted veggies to balance the richness. Crusty bread makes the perfect side to soak up the luscious sauce!

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken marsala orzo, creamy one-pan chicken, easy marsala dinner