Description
This Marsala Chicken Orzo Dish features tender chicken breasts, savory orzo pasta, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, complemented by fresh spinach and mushrooms. It’s an ideal choice for a comforting family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms preferred)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in Marsala wine, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in orzo pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
- Once orzo is cooked, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes.
- Slice the cooked chicken and gently fold it back into the skillet. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or Marsala wine. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Spoon the orzo and chicken mixture onto plates. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Marsala wine for a few hours before cooking.
- This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes