One-pan comfort with elegance
This Marsala chicken with creamy orzo is the perfect blend of cozy and classy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Tender chicken simmered in a rich Marsala wine sauce pairs beautifully with creamy, Parmesan-kissed orzo that soaks up every drop of flavor. It feels indulgent yet comes together in one pan, saving time and cleanup—perfect for busy cooks who still want something special. With warm, savory notes and a velvety texture, this dish delivers restaurant-style comfort at home. If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner that feels elevated, this recipe is a must-save for your Pinterest boards.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup Marsala wine (dry or semi-dry)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large deep skillet with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then remove to a plate. 🍗
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and sauté mushrooms for 5 minutes until browned and tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in Marsala wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add chicken broth and orzo. Stir well, then return chicken to the pan.
- Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring once, until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and thyme. Sauce should be creamy and glossy ✨
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra creamy: Add an extra splash of cream right before serving.
- Make ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add broth when reheating.
- Wine swap: No Marsala? Use chicken broth with 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (flavor will differ slightly).
- Veg boost: Stir in baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.