One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version) Recipe

If you love hearty one-pot meals that blend rich flavors and simple cooking, you’re going to fall head over heels for this One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version). Imagine tender cubes of chicken perfectly browned, mingling with earthy baby bella mushrooms and orzo pasta all hugged by a luscious, creamy Marsala sauce. It’s comfort food magic in a single pan that transforms weeknight dinners into something effortlessly gourmet without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a vital role. From the olive oil that starts the browning process to the fresh parsley and Parmesan that finish the dish with brightness and savory depth, every item is essential to building those rich layers of flavor and inviting textures.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, seasoning each component perfectly.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, these thinly sliced mushrooms soak up the Marsala flavor wonderfully.
• Onion, minced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation once sautéed.
• Garlic, minced: Adds a warm, fragrant punch that complements the Marsala wine.
• Marsala wine: Provides the signature rich, slightly sweet flavor that defines this dish.
• Low sodium chicken stock: Keeps the dish moist and infuses it with savory depth without being overly salty.
• Dry orzo pasta: Small and tender, it cooks quickly while absorbing all the scrumptious sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce, elevating the whole dish.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version)

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into uniform 0.6-centimeter cubes—this ensures everything cooks evenly. Season them with black pepper and salt right away so the flavors start to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken cubes and let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the juices and sets up that amazing flavor base for the dish.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms, Onion, and Garlic

Once the chicken is browned, remove it to a bowl to rest. Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced mushrooms, minced onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook everything for around three minutes until those veggies soften and the onions turn translucent. If the pan looks dry, feel free to add a splash of oil here—it helps prevent sticking and caramelizes the ingredients delightfully.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala Wine

Pour in the Marsala wine and keep stirring for about three minutes as it cooks down. This process deglazes the pan by loosening all that wonderful browned fond from the bottom and melds it into the sauce, intensifying every bite with a slightly sweet, complex note.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Stock, and Orzo

Return the chicken to the pan, then add the chicken stock and dry orzo pasta. Stir everything together so the orzo begins soaking up the flavorful liquid, setting the stage for a creamy finish.

Step 6: Cover and Simmer

Cover your pan and let the mixture cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Remember to stir every few minutes to stop the orzo from sticking or burning at the bottom. This gentle simmer allows the pasta to cook through and absorb the rich Marsala-infused sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Once the orzo is perfectly tender, stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. These finishing touches bring fresh color and an irresistible savory depth to the dish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version)

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish here, adding a pop of green that feels fresh against the creamy Marsala sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds a salty, cheese lover’s dream finish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with crisp green vegetables like sautéed spinach or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Their bright, slightly bitter notes perfectly cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf also works beautifully to soak up the luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version) in shallow white bowls that showcase the rich sauce and vibrant herbs. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can offer guests a bright citrus squeeze to awaken their taste buds even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld even more over time. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

You can freeze the One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version), but the texture of the orzo may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within two months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir often to ensure even warming and to prevent the orzo from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or ditalini can work as substitutes. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some pastas may require a little more or less time.

Is Marsala wine essential, or can I substitute it?

Marsala wine delivers that signature sweet, nutty flavor that defines this recipe, but if you don’t have it on hand, dry sherry or port wine can be good alternatives. Avoid using cooking wines that have added salt or preservatives, as they can alter the dish’s flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the orzo for gluten-free small pasta shapes or even use quinoa for a grain alternative. Just adjust cooking times and liquid amounts as needed to maintain that creamy texture.

How do I ensure the chicken remains tender?

Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking. Avoid overcooking by browning just until golden and finishing the cooking gently with the orzo. Using low heat when simmering keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. While the recipe highlights mushrooms, feel free to sneak in spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the vegetable sauté step for extra color and nutrition. Just keep an eye on cooking times so everything stays tender-crisp.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Marsala Orzo (Print-Friendly Version) is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple enough to make anytime yet special enough to impress your loved ones. I truly encourage you to give it a try and experience how a handful of humble ingredients can come together in a rich, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. Your dinner routine will thank you!