Marsala Chicken Orzo

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a dish that dances on your taste buds like a ballerina in a tutu—graceful yet full of life. Picture this: tender chicken simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce, surrounded by fluffy orzo pasta that soaks up all those delightful flavors. This meal isn’t just food; it’s an experience you’ll want to dive into again and again.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my friends’ dinner party. It was like a culinary magic show; one moment I was chopping onions, and the next there were gasps of delight as the aroma filled the air. You know it’s a hit when everyone’s trying to figure out who gets the last spoonful!

I remember the delight on my friend Lisa’s face when I served this at her birthday celebration—she didn’t leave a single grain of orzo behind!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will work perfectly; adjust based on your crowd size.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
• Marsala Wine: Opt for a good quality dry Marsala wine for depth of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the savory notes.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; they add aromatic goodness that enhances every bite.
• Onion: A yellow onion works best; it caramelizes nicely and adds sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious finish and creaminess that makes each bite irresistible.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it adds rich flavor and healthy fats.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley not only garnishes but also brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste along the way!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop the onion and garlic finely so they blend seamlessly into your sauce.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side).

Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and garlic into the skillet when chicken is nearly done. Sauté until onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma.

Add Wine & Simmer: Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Creamy Goodness: Stir in chicken broth followed by heavy cream. Bring it all together; let simmer until thickened (around 10-12 minutes). The sauce should coat everything beautifully.

Cook the Orzo: While your sauce simmers, cook orzo according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain well before adding it to your skillet.

Serve hot with fresh parsley sprinkled on top! Enjoy each mouthful of buttery goodness mixed with savory flavors.

Now you’ve got yourself a plate of Marsala Chicken Orzo that’s practically begging for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then cook the orzo while preparing that creamy Marsala sauce. This sequence ensures everything melds perfectly together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out orzo for quinoa or add mushrooms for extra earthiness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish even more.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of that dinner party when my friend declared, “This is better than takeout!” Her joy was contagious, making the effort completely worth it.

FAQ

What can I use instead of Marsala wine?

You can substitute with white wine or a mix of grape juice and vinegar.

Can I make Marsala Chicken Orzo ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day before and reheat on low heat before serving.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Marsala Chicken Orzo

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy orzo pasta enveloped in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup dry Marsala wine
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients; finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté until translucent.
4. Pour in Marsala wine, deglazing the pan; simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; let simmer until thickened (10-12 minutes).
6. Cook orzo according to package instructions; drain and add to the skillet.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg