Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo
why make this recipe
This dish brings warm, rich flavors with a creamy finish. It is easy to cook and feels like a special meal without much fuss. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests.
introduction
This recipe pairs tender chicken with a mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. The creamy orzo soaks up the sauce for a full, comforting plate. If you like simple pasta and chicken meals, you may also enjoy a similar easy dip recipe for parties found at cheesy creamy buffalo chicken dip.
how to make Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo
- Season and brown the chicken breasts in a skillet until golden.
- Remove chicken and sauté the mushrooms in the same pan until soft.
- Add Marsala wine and a little stock or cream to make a sauce. Simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through.
- Cook the orzo in salted water until tender. Stir in butter or a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over the creamy orzo.
In one of my other simple one-pot pasta meals, I use similar steps for cooking and sauce building as shown in a quick chicken and orzo recipe at chicken sausage broccoli orzo.
Ingredients :
- Chicken breasts
- Mushrooms
- Marsala wine sauce (Marsala wine, chicken stock, butter or cream)
- Orzo pasta
Directions :
- Saute mushrooms.
- Simmer chicken breasts in Marsala wine sauce.
- Serve chicken and sauce over orzo pasta.
how to serve Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo
Place a scoop of creamy orzo on each plate. Top with a chicken breast and spoon the mushroom Marsala sauce over the top. Add chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon if you like.
how to store Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo
Cool the dish to room temperature. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the cream-based sauce; it may break when thawed.
tips to make Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a good brown crust.
- Use good-quality Marsala wine for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the orzo; it should be slightly soft and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a little longer. If too thick, add a splash of stock or cream.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor.
- Add spinach to the orzo for color and greens.
- Use white wine instead of Marsala for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dry Marsala wine?
A: Yes. Dry Marsala works well for savory dishes. Use what you have.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes. Use extra stock and finish with a bit of butter to add richness.
Q: How long does it take to cook?
A: About 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish.
Q: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes. Small pastas like ditalini or small shells work fine, but cook times vary.
Conclusion
This Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo makes a simple, elegant meal that you can cook any night. For more one-pot Marsala-orzo ideas, see a creamy one-pot chicken Marsala orzo and a related mushroom-and-orzo version at one pot chicken and mushroom orzo.
