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Creamy Chicken Marsala Orzo

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Cook onions and mushrooms, add marsala wine and cream, simmer orzo in the sauce. Stir in chicken and top with parmesan for a creamy finish.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 02 Apr 2025 23:56:39 GMT
Marsala Orzo with Chicken Highlight
Marsala Orzo with Chicken | cookwithcarla.com

Transform your home cooking into a fancy Italian cafe experience with this creamy one-pot chicken marsala orzo that blends juicy chicken, meaty mushrooms, and pasta in a decadent wine-based sauce. This impressive meal brings restaurant-level taste with little fuss, showing you can enjoy elegant food without leaving your house.

I stumbled onto this dish while trying to use up some marsala wine after hosting friends. The way the orzo soaks up the delicious sauce makes such an indulgent meal that my family asks for it more often than the classic chicken marsala now.

Complete Ingredients Breakdown

  • Good marsala wine delivers the distinctive rich taste
  • Cremini mushrooms add wonderful earthiness
  • Vidalia onions build a sweet aromatic foundation
  • Dijon mustard brings a gentle zip
  • Heavy cream makes the sauce incredibly smooth
  • Fresh parmesan gives richness to every mouthful

Crafting Mouthwatering Orzo

Getting Mushrooms Right:
Cook mushrooms until they're brown and full of flavor.
Wine Magic:
Let the marsala cook down for intense taste.
Pasta Technique:
Put orzo directly into the tasty liquid mixture.
Creating Creaminess:
Mix in cream and cheese for the right texture.
Bringing It Together:
Mix in chicken and let everything become friends.
Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe Highlight
Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

My nonna always said getting mushrooms right makes the backbone of any good marsala sauce. Whenever I cook this dish, the smell takes me back to cooking with her in her kitchen.

Perfecting Your Sauce

Getting that velvety sauce depends on reducing the wine correctly and adding cream just right. Don't rush these steps for best results.

Watching Your Heat

Keeping the heat low helps the orzo cook perfectly while soaking up all those tasty flavors.

Best Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe Highlight
Best Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

Choosing Your Wine

Go for dry marsala wine for the real deal flavor. Your sauce should taste rich and complex, not overly sweet.

Getting Timing Right

Put everything in at the right moment to build natural flavor layers that develop beautifully.

Fun Twist Ideas

Try throwing in fresh herbs like thyme or sage, or mix in some baby spinach for a pop of color.

Keeping Leftovers

Store in a sealed container up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth if needed.

Easy Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe Highlight
Easy Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe | cookwithcarla.com

After making this dish countless times, I've learned that giving each ingredient its proper cooking time leads to the most delicious outcome. The magic happens when orzo drinks up the marsala sauce while mushrooms release their goodness, creating something truly special.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which marsala wine is best?
Dry or semi-sweet marsala is ideal. Check your local wine or grocery aisle.
→ Can raw chicken replace rotisserie?
Totally! Sauté diced chicken first, set it aside, and add back once the sauce is ready.
→ Why isn't the sauce thick enough?
Let it rest covered for a few minutes. The orzo will keep soaking up the sauce and thicken naturally.
→ What can I use instead of marsala?
Try a mix of brandy and white wine or chicken broth with a dash of balsamic vinegar for a similar vibe.
→ Can other mushrooms be used?
Yup! Button, cremini, portobello, or a mix will work great.

Chicken Marsala Orzo

A simple, creamy one-pot dish with marsala flavors, mushrooms, and orzo pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup orzo pasta, dry
02 2 cups rotisserie chicken, torn into small pieces
03 2 tablespoons butter
04 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Fresh Vegetables

05 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
06 1/2 onion, diced
07 8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, cut into thin slices

→ Sauce Ingredients

08 2 cups broth made from chicken
09 1/2 teaspoon Dijon (optional for extra flavor)
10 1 cup cream that's heavy
11 1/2 cup marsala wine (dry or semi-sweet works)

→ Finishing Touches

12 Salt and freshly ground pepper, adjust to your liking
13 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated fresh
14 Chopped parsley to sprinkle on top, optional

Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in onions and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are golden and no liquid is left, which takes about 10 minutes.

Step 02

Throw in the garlic, mustard, and marsala. Let it boil for a minute or two, stirring occasionally until the wine reduces and gets less liquidy.

Step 03

Pour the cream and broth into the pot, then add the orzo. Turn the heat down to medium—gentle bubbling is perfect—and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring here and there.

Step 04

Stir in the chicken and parmesan until combined, then move the pot off the burner. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 05

Adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm while it’s creamy and delicious.

Notes

  1. Add more broth if needed and the orzo seems too dry while cooking.
  2. For a thicker texture, leave it covered a bit longer at the end before serving.
  3. You can skip the Dijon mustard if you’re out of it, but it enhances the flavor.

Required Equipment

  • Big cooking pot or Dutch oven
  • Measuring tools like spoons and cups
  • Wooden spatula or spoon for stirring

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy products like butter, cheese, and cream
  • Includes wheat-based orzo pasta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 667
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Carbs: 40 g
  • Protein: 30 g