Cooking a restaurant-quality meal at home doesn’t have to be a stressful task. Imagine biting into tender chicken paired with creamy orzo, rich Marsala wine, and savory mushrooms. This Quick & Creamy Chicken Marsala Orzo is not just a dish—it’s an experience you can recreate in under an hour, bringing comfort and sophistication to your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When life gets busy, having a delicious, satisfying meal in your arsenal is a game-changer. This recipe brings together:

• Flavor: The Marsala wine adds a distinctive richness.
• Convenience: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Comfort: Creamy orzo with a perfectly seasoned chicken.
• Elegance: A dish fit for guests but simple enough for a weeknight.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients at a Glance

Here’s what you need to bring this dish to life:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1″ pieces)	4 (6- to 8-oz.)
Italian seasoning	1 tsp.
Kosher salt	To taste
Freshly ground black pepper	To taste
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup
Extra-virgin olive oil	4 Tbsp., divided
Unsalted butter	2 Tbsp., divided
Cremini mushrooms (thinly sliced)	8 oz.
Shallot (finely chopped)	1
Garlic (sliced)	3 cloves
Fresh thyme (chopped)	1 Tbsp.
Orzo	8 oz.
Dry Marsala wine	1 cup
Low-sodium chicken broth	2 cups
Heavy cream	1/2 cup
Fresh parsley (chopped)	1 Tbsp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This ensures proper browning.
2. Toss the chicken in a large bowl with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle flour over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
3. Cook half of the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to a plate.
4. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes).

4. Build the Flavor Base

1. Add the shallots and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season lightly with salt.
2. Stir frequently until the shallots turn translucent (about 2 minutes).
3. Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Toast the Orzo

1. Stir in the orzo and the remaining tablespoon of butter.
2. Toss frequently until the orzo is lightly toasted (2-3 minutes).

6. Deglaze and Simmer

1. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
2. Cook until the wine reduces slightly (2-3 minutes).
3. Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes.

7. Finish the Dish

1. Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking until the orzo is creamy (2 minutes).
2. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to combine.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

8. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Tips for Success

• Patience with Browning: Browning the chicken well adds depth to the dish.
• Choose Quality Marsala Wine: Opt for a good dry Marsala wine to elevate the flavors.
• Stir Regularly: Prevent the orzo from sticking by stirring frequently during cooking.
• Customizing Creaminess: Adjust the cream amount to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	~450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fats	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	350mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous can work, but cooking times may vary.

2. What can I substitute for Marsala wine?

You can use a mix of white grape juice and a splash of brandy or sherry for a non-alcoholic option.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

5. What side dishes pair well with this?

A simple arugula salad or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors perfectly.

6. Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.

Conclusion: Make It Tonight!

Now that you know how simple and delicious Quick & Creamy Chicken Marsala Orzo is, why not give it a try tonight? It’s a recipe that brings gourmet taste to your home with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and watch as your family or guests fall in love with this dish.

Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!

Print