Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo A OnePan Wonder

Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo OnePan Italian Comfort

By SandraJuly 28, 2025

Craving easy comfort My Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo is a onepan wonder Rich Marsala sauce tender chicken and creamy orzo ready in 45 mins Check it out ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala – Your Next Weeknight Hero!

Fancy something delicious and easy? I've got you covered! Seriously, this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala is a game-changer. It's comfort food but feels a little bit fancy.

Plus, it only takes one pan! Let's get this gravy train moving, right then?

What's the Story Behind This Dish?

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Chicken Marsala. The rich, boozy sauce is just divine. But, we're making it even better by adding creamy orzo pasta.

It's like Chicken Marsala and risotto had a beautiful, delicious baby. Okay , it's basically Chicken Marsala's cooler, younger sibling.

This dish is super simple to make. It's great for a weeknight dinner or even a casual get-together. It's ready in under an hour. This recipe makes about four servings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is all about flavor and ease. Think tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, wine-infused sauce. Plus, orzo pasta is wonderfully comforting.

It's also packed with protein and flavor. This is perfect for a cozy night in when you want something special without much effort.

What makes this recipe special? That is how quickly it comes together.

Ingredients Ready? Let's dive in!

Right, you'll need chicken, mushrooms, garlic, and orzo, of course. Don't forget the Marsala wine - it's crucial! The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add that dreamy creaminess.

It is your journey to an Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe . I always have these ingredients on hand, and you probably do too!

Ingredients & Equipment: Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Magic

Okay, right then, let's get this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala gravy train moving! Before we dive headfirst into this delicious Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe , let's make sure we have everything we need.

Honestly, there's nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe and realising you're missing a key ingredient. Trust me, I've been there!

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here’s the lowdown on what you need to create this one-pan wonder. Remember, good ingredients make good food!

Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Quality chicken is key here. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. This is important for Creamy Marsala Chicken !
Mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) sliced cremini or white button mushrooms. Go for firm, not squishy shrooms.
Orzo: 1 cup (200g) uncooked orzo pasta.
Marsala Wine: ¾ cup (180ml) dry Marsala wine. This is essential for that classic Mushroom Marsala Chicken flavor. Avoid sweet Marsala like the plague!
Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups (600ml) low-sodium chicken broth.
Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half.
Parmesan: ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Pre-grated stuff just doesn't melt the same.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power-Ups

A few key spices and aromatics really elevate this dish.

Garlic: 2-3 cloves , minced. Because everything's better with garlic, right?
Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: To taste. Don't be shy with the seasoning.
Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) adds a lovely warmth.

For a quick substitution, if you haven't got any Marsala, dry sherry is your best bet. I once used Madeira in a pinch, it was fine but definitely not the same.

The secret ingredient, is, don't tell anyone, love and passion!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need fancy equipment to nail this Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe .

Large skillet or deep sauté pan (at least 12 inches / 30cm diameter) with a lid. A cast iron pan works great.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Cutting board.
Sharp knife.

If you don't have a lid for your pan, a baking sheet will do in a pinch. This Weeknight Chicken Dinner is all about keeping things simple!

I hope these tips set you up for success! With all the right components you're on the road for the most satisfying Italian Chicken and Orzo dish!.

Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo A OnePan Wonder presentation

Get Ready to Cook Like a Pro: Mastering Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala

Okay, right then, let's get this gravy train moving! We're diving headfirst into Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala . And Honestly, it’s easier than you think, a true one-pan wonder! It's perfect for a chilly evening.

Trust me, this will become your new weeknight go-to. The aroma alone is worth the effort.

Prep Like a Boss

Essential mise en place is key here. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch / 2.5 cm). Slice those mushrooms.

Mince that garlic. Grate your Parmesan – please, please get the good stuff! Having everything ready saves you time .

Time-saving tip: While the chicken is searing, you can prep the rest of the ingredients. Boom! You're a culinary ninja.

Safety first: Wash your hands, and keep raw chicken away from everything else.

Step-by-Step to Marsala Magic

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned, about 5- 7 minutes per side. Take it out, and set it aside.
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until golden brown. Then add 2-3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant.
Pour in ¾ cup of dry Marsala wine. Scrape up the browned bits. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half. This deglazing step adds so much flavor!
Stir in 1 cup of orzo, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cover and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , or until the orzo is tender. Don't forget about it!.
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. If you like, add spinach and let it wilt.
Simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning. Boom! Done!

Pro Tips That Will Impress

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken! Sear in batches for even browning. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, the chicken doesn't brown properly.

Use dry Marsala –sweet Marsala will be too much. Simmer the orzo, don't boil. A gentle simmer cooks it evenly.

Common Mistake: Overcooking the orzo. Aim for al dente because it keeps cooking!

Make-ahead Option: You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. You know? That is a total life saver.

Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala : You are going to love it! So, what are you waiting for? Lets Get Cooking!

Recipe Notes: Your Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala Guide!

Okay, right then, let's get this keyword gravy train moving! This section's all about making this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala recipe your own.

Honestly, recipes are just a starting point, right? It's about what you bring to the table. Here's the lowdown.

Serving Suggestions: Turning It Up to Eleven

Forget boring plates! Think rustic. I love serving this in shallow bowls. It shows off the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with a generous shower of Parmesan.

A sprig of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. For sides, a simple green salad is lush . The acidity cuts through the richness.

Garlic bread? Oh my gosh, yes! And a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio? Perfection!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Good Times Rolling

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Chicken Orzo Recipe keeps well. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it nice and creamy. Freezing isn't ideal.

The orzo can get a bit mushy, you know? But if you must , thaw completely before reheating.

Variations: Your Kitchen, Your Rules!

Want a lighter take? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Going veggie? Swap the chicken for halloumi. Honestly, the salty cheese is amazing with the Marsala sauce! For seasonal swaps, butternut squash or kale would be fantastic in the fall.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

So, this Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. You get carbs from the orzo, and healthy fats from the Parmesan.

Just a heads up on the calories: about 550 per serving. It's a treat, not an everyday thing, right? Each serving is around 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 45g of carbs.

So there you have it. You now know that This One-Pan Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe, isn't just a recipe, it's an invitation to get creative in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!. Happy cooking!

Easy Creamy Chicken Orzo OnePan Dinner is Sorted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can definitely prep some components in advance to save time. You can chop the vegetables, measure out the spices, and even sear the chicken a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions, starting with cooking the mushrooms. Be aware that the orzo might absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

What can I substitute for Marsala wine in this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala recipe?

Finding Marsala can sometimes be trickier than spotting a decent cuppa in America! If you're stuck, a good substitute is dry sherry or Madeira wine. In a real pinch, you can use a dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) with a tablespoon of brandy added to mimic the fortified wine flavour. Just remember that the flavour profile will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala vegetarian or dairy-free?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for pan-fried halloumi cheese or even some cannellini beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind, not the drink). Nutritional yeast can also be used in place of Parmesan cheese to give it that cheesy umami flavour. You'll have a tasty meal that meets your dietary needs.

My orzo is sticking to the bottom of the pan. What am I doing wrong with this Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala?

Ah, the dreaded sticky orzo! Make sure you're using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan. Also, ensure you're simmering the orzo over low heat, not boiling it. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. If the orzo is absorbing the liquid too quickly and sticking, add a little more chicken broth. And as a final tip, make sure your pan lid fits snugly. Just like Mary Berry says "A good seal is key to a good bake!"

How long does Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala last in the fridge?

Properly stored, leftover Creamy Marsala Chicken Orzo Marsala will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as the orzo tends to absorb moisture. Always ensure it's piping hot before serving. But honestly, with flavors this good, it probably won't last that long!