If you’re looking for a soul-warming dinner that feels both elegant and effortless, Marsala Chicken Orzo is about to become your new obsession. This dreamy combination of golden chicken, silky orzo, and umami-rich mushrooms gets a big flavor boost from Marsala wine and herbs, all lovingly finished when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. It’s a showstopper that delivers comfort and sophistication in every bite, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special on a busy weeknight.

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of straightforward ingredients transforms into something restaurant-worthy. Each component plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, adding contrast and texture, and making the final dish visually inviting.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and juicy, easy-to-slice pieces.
Orzo pasta: This petite rice-shaped pasta absorbs all the saucy goodness and gives a deliciously creamy texture.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms offer earthy, meaty undertones that make the dish truly comforting.
Marsala wine: The secret ingredient! It brings a deep, caramelized sweetness and classic Italian flavor.
Chicken broth: Opt for a good-quality broth to enhance the savory notes and ensure a richer sauce.
Heavy cream: This is the magic touch when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Olive oil: It starts the cooking off right and ensures the chicken doesn’t stick.
Butter: Just a tablespoon adds silkiness and luxury to the mushrooms.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic brings undeniable aromatic charm.
Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon infuses the whole dish with classic herby warmth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step for balanced flavor.
Fresh parsley: A bright, vibrant finishing touch for both color and freshness.

How to Make Marsala Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper. This simple step is the cornerstone for deeply flavorful chicken. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then lay the chicken in, allowing each side to achieve a gorgeous golden crust. About 5-7 minutes per side does the trick for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics

After removing the chicken from the pan, melt butter in the same skillet. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until browned and fragrant—don’t rush this part, as it’s where the mushrooms develop their rich flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, letting them cook for just a minute to release all their intoxicating aroma.

Step 3: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour in the Marsala wine, using a spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, concentrating its bold and slightly sweet taste right into the mushrooms.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo, making sure it’s evenly dispersed, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking, and watch it plump up as it absorbs all those lovely flavors.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth

This is where the magic happens! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth, transforming the whole skillet into a luscious, glossy creation. Gently return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy orzo to heat through. Season everything once more—taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Marsala Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the look, but its herbal pop cuts through the richness when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth. For a bit of zing, consider a squeeze of lemon juice or even a dusting of grated Parmesan on top.

Side Dishes

This dish is so hearty, it hardly needs more than a crisp green salad tossed with a sharp vinaigrette. If you crave something extra, crusty bread for mopping up the creamy sauce is absolutely dreamy. Roasted vegetables also pair beautifully, especially anything with a touch of sweetness like carrots or parsnips.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken at an angle and fanning it over a generous bed of creamy orzo, then drizzle a little extra sauce from the pan. For family style, serve everything right in the skillet for a rustic look that invites everyone to dig in and truly enjoy when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Marsala Chicken Orzo in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors deepen and meld overnight, giving you an even more delicious experience when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth after reheating.

Freezing

Marsala Chicken Orzo can be frozen, though the texture of the orzo may soften slightly on thawing. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the sauce creamy and smooth when you reheat it.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the luxurious sauce. Remember, the trick is to reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth, even when refreshing leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here, providing even more juiciness and flavor. Cooking times may be slightly longer, but otherwise follow the recipe as written.

Is there a substitute for Marsala wine?

You can use a dry sherry or even a sweet white wine if Marsala isn’t available—just note the flavor will shift a little. The unique touch from Marsala wine really shines when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

What type of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini, button, or baby bella mushrooms all cook up tender and delicious. Feel free to mix varieties for extra depth or to use whichever you have on hand.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap regular orzo for a gluten-free pasta or rice-shaped pasta alternative. Adjust liquid as needed if your substitute absorbs differently, and make sure to reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth for the perfect texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just substitute coconut cream or a rich plant-based cream in place of the heavy cream. Take care while stirring to keep that dreamy consistency you get when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing better than gathering around a table to enjoy a meal like this Marsala Chicken Orzo, where every forkful feels just a little bit special. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover for yourself how wondrous it tastes when you reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth!

Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish, Marsala Chicken Orzo is a creamy pasta recipe with tender chicken cooked in a Marsala wine sauce, paired with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until browned.

Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Deglaze with Marsala Wine: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the skillet to release browned bits.

Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Cook the Orzo: Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.

Finish the Dish: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Marsala Chicken Orzo, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Orzo