Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Creamy One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo! This Italian-inspired dish combines succulent chicken, earthy mushrooms, and tender orzo pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. With just one pot and minimal prep, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the full article to discover how to whip up this delicious meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast (sliced)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup marsala wine
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing chicken breasts into thin, even strips. Slice mushrooms and mince garlic cloves. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sear chicken strips until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are lightly caramelized and garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Allow wine to reduce by half, which concentrates the flavor.
- Add chicken broth and orzo pasta to the pan. Stir to combine and ensure orzo is evenly distributed.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let orzo simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once orzo is nearly tender, stir in heavy cream and return chicken to the pan. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot, directly from the pan, ensuring each portion has chicken, mushrooms, and a generous amount of creamy sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, slice the chicken and mushrooms, and mince the garlic in advance. This way, you can jump straight into cooking when you're ready.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken adds depth and flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
- Wine Matters: Choose a good quality Marsala wine, as it significantly impacts the flavor of the sauce. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute with grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar.
- Watch the Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This will ensure a creamy consistency throughout.
- Cream It Up: For an extra indulgent sauce, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end for added richness.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving! It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to this comforting dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is tender. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 811kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 45g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 210mg
