Print

Chicken Marsala Orzo Recipe

4.7 from 58 reviews

This Chicken Marsala Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender shredded chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy marsala wine sauce with tender orzo pasta. It’s a quick and easy stovetop recipe ideal for a satisfying dinner that brings together savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce and Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup marsala wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and butter: Add olive oil and butter to a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to melt completely.
  2. Sauté mushrooms and onions: Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions to the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and the liquid evaporates, and the mushrooms and onions are nicely seared and golden.
  3. Add garlic, mustard, and marsala: Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Marsala wine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the Marsala has reduced by half, intensifying the flavors.
  4. Add broth, cream, and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked orzo pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring fairly often to prevent sticking. The liquid should bubble gently and the orzo will cook and absorb the sauce.
  5. Finish with chicken and parmesan: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the chicken warms through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy Chicken Marsala Orzo.

Notes

  • Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce; do not skip if possible.
  • Marsala wine is a key ingredient for the authentic flavor; you can substitute with dry sherry if needed.
  • Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation, but leftover cooked chicken works well too.
  • Keep stirring the orzo during cooking to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Chicken Marsala, Orzo Pasta, Creamy Chicken, One Pot Meal, Italian Chicken, Comfort Food