Discover the Comfort of Marsala Chicken Orzo in 30 Minutes!

Gather ’round, food lovers, because we’ve got a real showstopper on our hands – Marsala Chicken Orzo! This creamy, comforting dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinner parties. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Marsala Chicken Orzo

To make this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, then cook for 1 more minute.

Deglaze with Marsala

Pour in the Marsala wine and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.

Add Orzo & Broth

Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Add Cream & Chicken

Stir in the heavy cream, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the Marsala Chicken Orzo with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh, crisp salad.

Flavor Profiles and Cooking Techniques

The star of this dish is, of course, the Marsala wine. This fortified Italian wine imparts a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory chicken and earthy mushrooms perfectly. By deglazing the pan with the Marsala, you’re able to capture all those delicious browned bits and incorporate them into the sauce.

Sautéing the mushrooms and garlic before adding the liquid ingredients helps to develop their flavors and create a more complex base for the dish. Simmering the orzo in the chicken broth allows it to absorb all the wonderful seasonings, while the heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety texture to the final sauce.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Marsala Chicken Orzo contains approximately 450 calories, 35 grams of protein, 23 grams of fat, and 33 grams of carbohydrates. This dish is a great source of lean protein from the chicken, as well as beneficial nutrients from the mushrooms and fresh herbs. By using high-quality, fresh ingredients, you can feel good about indulging in this comforting and satisfying meal.

FAQs about Marsala Chicken Orzo

What does marsala sauce taste like?

Marsala sauce has a rich, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor profile. The Marsala wine provides a unique depth of flavor that complements the savory elements of the dish, like the chicken and mushrooms.

How long will chicken orzo last in the fridge?

Properly stored, Marsala Chicken Orzo will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.

What is traditionally served with chicken marsala?

Chicken Marsala is often paired with simple side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The creamy sauce also pairs beautifully with crusty bread for sopping up every last bit.

Is chicken marsala healthy to eat?

While Marsala Chicken Orzo is a rich and indulgent dish, it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The dish provides a good source of protein, and you can make healthy swaps, like using low-fat dairy products, to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rigatoni
• Cheesy Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
• One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shell Skillet

Conclusion

Prepare to be wowed by the incredible flavors of Marsala Chicken Orzo! This creamy, comforting dish is a true delight for the senses, with its tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing dinner guests, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

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