Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels fancy without the fuss? Marsala Chicken Orzo is your new best friend. Bursting with savory mushrooms, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish hits all the right notes—even if you’re juggling deadlines, errands, or picky eaters.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marsala Chicken Orzo
• Quick solution for busy days – dinner’s on the table in about 30 minutes.
• Crowd-pleaser – the creamy, wine-infused sauce gives it that restaurant-style wow.
• One-pan magic – fewer dishes = more time relaxing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup Marsala wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (~165 °F).
- Remove chicken, cover loosely, and set aside.
2. Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic
- In the same pan, melt butter.
- Add mushrooms and cook 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and thyme—cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with Marsala Wine
- Pour in Marsala wine and scrape up the flavorful bits.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Cook the Orzo
- Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Make It Creamy & Serve
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream until silky.
- Return chicken to warm through.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot!
Cooking Tips
- No creamy mess: If sauce feels thin, stir in an extra spoonful of cream at the end.
- Picky eater hack: Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces before reheating—it makes it more fun to eat, especially for kids.
- Wine swap: No Marsala? Use dry sherry or extra broth—just skip the wine and it’ll still taste delicious.
A Little Chef Anecdote
When I first made this for my family, my kids asked for seconds—on their own plates! Now, Marsala Chicken Orzo is our go‑to dish for casual dinners when I want something easy yet special. It’s like a mini restaurant experience at home—no tuxedo required.
FAQs About Marsala Chicken Orzo
Can I swap heavy cream for something lighter?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works fine—just remove from heat and stir it in slowly to avoid curdling.
How should I store leftovers?
Pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
Can I use different pasta?
Sure thing! Small shapes like ditalini or small shells work great—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
The Cozy Magic of Marsala Chicken Orzo
That cozy, indulgent sauce soaking the tender chicken and orzo makes Marsala Chicken Orzo the kind of meal you crave after a long day. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something hearty and satisfying without turning your kitchen into a war zone.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself (you deserve it!), this dish has that perfect balance of elegance and ease. The creamy texture, the earthy mushrooms, the subtle Marsala wine… it’s like your taste buds went on a mini vacation to Italy.
So go ahead, give it a try tonight—you might just start a new family favorite. Happy cooking, and here’s to simple dishes that feel like a hug in a bowl!
More Chicken Comforts You’ll Love
If this Marsala Chicken Orzo has earned a spot on your weekly dinner list, you’re going to adore these other cozy, flavor-packed meals! Here are some handpicked favorites that bring the same creamy comfort and family-friendly appeal:
- Craving more creamy goodness? Try this Creamy Dijon Chicken for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- If you loved the mushroom and herb combo, you’ll be obsessed with this Mushroom Asiago Chicken—it’s rich, cheesy, and feels fancy without the fuss.
- Want something baked and bubbling? This Baked Chicken Stroganoff brings comforting Eastern European vibes with every bite.
- For those who can’t get enough creamy orzo, don’t miss the Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet—another one-pan marvel that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
Click through, get inspired, and let the chicken magic continue in your kitchen!
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Marsala Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and made in just one skillet, this Marsala Chicken Orzo is a flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious wine-infused sauce. Perfect for busy nights or cozy family meals!
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
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until browned. Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.Deglaze with Marsala:
Pour in Marsala wine, scraping the pan to release the flavorful bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.Cook the Orzo:
Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Finish the Dish:
Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and return the chicken to the skillet to warm through. Adjust seasoning if needed.Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap Marsala wine with dry sherry or extra broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add spinach or peas for a veggie boost.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg