Description
Tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a rich Marsala wine sauce come together in this elegant yet easy dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken pieces dry. Toss with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat evenly with flour in a large bowl.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear half of the chicken, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
- Repeat with another tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining chicken.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Add shallots and remaining olive oil. Cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Toast the Orzo:
- Add orzo and remaining butter. Stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add chicken broth, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes until the orzo is creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute Marsala wine with white grape juice and a splash of brandy for a non-alcoholic option.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and coconut cream.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian