Marsala Chicken Orzo

Introduction

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a savory, one-pan meal that intertwines the earthiness of mushrooms, tender bites of chicken, and the delicate nuttiness of orzo pasta, all enveloped in a glossy Marsala wine sauce. It’s a dinner option with serious crowd-pleasing power—full of flavor, weeknight-friendly, and elegant enough for entertaining without hours of effort.

With its creamy texture and aromatic notes, this dish captures the classic comfort of Italian cuisine while keeping things simple and approachable for home cooks.

Why You’ll Love Marsala Chicken Orzo

What makes this recipe so irresistible is the harmony of flavors: juicy, golden chicken mingled with sautéed mushrooms, a whisper of garlic, and perfectly cooked orzo, all united by that unmistakable Marsala wine richness. The ease of making it in a single pan means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor payoff, making it an ideal choice whether you’re creating a quick family meal or hosting a dinner party.

Tips for Outstanding Marsala Chicken Orzo

For tender, evenly cut vegetables, a reliable Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper will help you breeze through prep and guarantee every ingredient cooks to perfection.

When browning the chicken, be patient—let each piece develop a crisp, golden exterior before flipping. This step locks in juices and builds a base of flavor for the wine sauce.

Choose a high-quality Marsala wine for a more authentic, layered flavor. Dry Marsala works best in savory dishes like this, but sweet is also acceptable if that’s all you have on hand.

Cooking and Assembling the Marsala Chicken Orzo

Use a sturdy skillet, such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, to sauté the chicken and vegetables for even heat distribution and easy cleanup. Once the chicken is browned and veggies are tender, deglaze with Marsala wine and add chicken broth to deepen the sauce’s complexity.

Orzo cooks right in the flavorful sauce, absorbing every bit of the Marsala and stock for maximum taste and a creamy consistency—no need for extra pots or draining. Stir occasionally with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to prevent sticking and ensure an even, silky texture.

If you plan to pack leftovers for lunch, the Bentgo Salad Container makes meal prep and transportation effortless.

Serving Suggestions for Marsala Chicken Orzo

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair with a crisp green salad or simply serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.

For a weeknight dinner, enjoy straight from the skillet. If prepping ahead, store portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating without loss of flavor or texture.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, each packed with lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of mushroom goodness. Calories per serving typically range from 425–500 depending on add-ins like cheese.

Marsala Chicken Orzo (Recap)

Marsala Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort meal—a glorious marriage of Italian-inspired flavors made effortless. Creamy, hearty, and deeply savory, this recipe will satisfy everyone at the table while offering the convenience of single-pan prep for easy cleanup.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a nonstick frying pan skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden on all sides (about 4–6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add onions and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and golden, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally with a heat resistant nylon meat and potato masher for even cooking. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the Marsala wine, and cook for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Stir in dry orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (10–12 minutes).
5. If using, stir in heavy cream for richness, and adjust seasoning as needed. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to thicken and for flavors to blend.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy the savory blend of Marsala, chicken, mushrooms, and orzo—your new favorite skillet supper.