Marsala Chicken Orzo

If you’re searching for a delicious, hearty dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests, look no further than Marsala Chicken Orzo. This delightful recipe combines tender diced chicken with flavorful orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce. The addition of fresh spinach and mushrooms not only enhances the dish’s nutritional value but also adds a burst of color that makes it visually appealing. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will leave everyone craving seconds.

In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, provide all the essential ingredients, and guide you step-by-step through the cooking process. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, this Marsala Chicken Orzo recipe is accessible and rewarding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marsala Chicken Orzo is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of Marsala wine, herbs, and sautéed vegetables creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. The wine brings a sweet yet savory depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to a mountain of dirty dishes! This dish is cooked all in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for another protein, such as shrimp or tofu, making it versatile for various dietary preferences.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the spinach and mushrooms, this dish is not only delicious but nutritious too.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Incorporating Marsala Chicken Orzo into your meal plan is a fantastic way to elevate your cooking skills and delight your taste buds. Here’s why you should give it a try:

• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch, store it in individual containers, and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters.
• Impressive Dinner Party Dish: Planning a dinner party? Impress your guests with this elegant dish that looks and tastes gourmet, but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like chicken breast, spinach, and orzo, this recipe is easy on your wallet without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

For this delightful Marsala Chicken Orzo recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Recommended Utensils

To ensure your cooking experience goes smoothly, here are some handy utensils you might need:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Serving spoon

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and slicing the mushrooms. Dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces will help it cook evenly.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
4. Add the Liquid and Orzo: Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2 minutes, then add the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling mixture, along with the dried thyme and oregano. Stir well, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Finish with Spinach and Chicken: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and the cooked chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Marsala Chicken Orzo!

FAQs

Conclusion

Marsala Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Marsala wine, tender chicken, and nutritious vegetables, all in one satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments below, and let us know your favorite variations of this dish! For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page.

Marsala Chicken Orzo

A delicious and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and flavorful orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup Orzo pasta
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup Fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• to taste Salt and pepper
• to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender.
• Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2 minutes, then add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
• Add the orzo pasta to the boiling mixture, along with the dried thyme and oregano. Stir well, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and the cooked chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Marsala Chicken Orzo!

Notes

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Keyword delicious, easy, quick