Delicious Marsala Chicken Orzo Recipe for Any Occasion

Marsala Chicken Orzo is the culinary hug you’ve been waiting for—a cozy bowl filled with tender chicken and warm orzo that feels like a big, fluffy blanket on a chilly evening. Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken bathed in a rich Marsala wine sauce dancing gracefully with perfectly cooked orzo. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and making you wonder why you ever thought takeout was a good idea.

This dish brings back memories of my aunt’s dinner parties where her fancy table settings were only outdone by the mouthwatering smells coming from the kitchen. There’s something magical about sharing food with loved ones—laughter over spilled wine and stories shared over plates of comfort food. Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe promises to deliver flavor and joy in every bite.

I whipped up this dish during a whirlwind week when life felt chaotic; the smiles around the table made it all worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 pieces ensure everyone gets enough hearty goodness.
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta shapes soak up sauce beautifully; it’s both fun and filling!
• Marsala Wine: Choose a dry variety for depth; it transforms ordinary into extraordinary.
• Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats fresh garlic’s aroma; it brings an irresistible flavor to every bite.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while enhancing flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess; it’s like giving your dish a luxurious spa day!
• Onion: Sautéed until translucent adds sweetness; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley gives a pop of color and freshness—like confetti on a celebration plate.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to cook without interruptions. Chop your onion and garlic finely for even cooking.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side—and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and sauté until translucent. Toss in garlic until fragrant—this step makes your kitchen smell divine!

Add the Wine and Broth: Pour in the Marsala wine and let it simmer briefly to reduce slightly before adding chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they’re packed with flavor!

Add Orzo and Cream : Stir in orzo along with heavy cream; simmer until orzo absorbs liquid—about 10-12 minutes or until tender but still al dente.

Finish with Fresh Parsley : Stir in chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh pop of color. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—don’t be shy!

Now you have an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress anyone seated at your table! Enjoy your flavorful journey through every spoonful of this delightful Marsala Chicken Orzo.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the orzo while preparing the rich Marsala sauce for a seamless and flavorful experience.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out orzo for other pasta or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air. One day, my cousin almost started a food fight over who could make it better—spoiler alert: we all won!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Any small pasta will work, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for Marsala wine?

Try using a blend of white wine with a touch of balsamic vinegar for similar flavors.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily without losing flavor.

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Marsala Chicken Orzo

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• Author: Doorecipes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and fluffy orzo in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Chop the onion and garlic.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onions; cook until translucent. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in Marsala wine; simmer briefly before adding chicken broth. Scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan.
5. Add orzo and heavy cream; simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender yet firm.
6. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Substitute orzo with small pasta shapes or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Season the chicken before cooking and use quality Marsala wine for depth of flavor.