Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo is a rich, flavorful meal that combines tender pan-seared chicken with a velvety mushroom Marsala wine sauce served over creamy parmesan orzo. This dish brings together Italian-inspired flavors with comforting textures, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

If you’re looking for a chicken Marsala dinner that feels restaurant-quality but is simple enough to prepare at home, this recipe delivers both elegance and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Marsala with Creamy Orzo

Deep, savory mushroom wine sauce
Juicy, golden seared chicken
Creamy parmesan orzo base
Ready in under an hour
Perfect for both casual dinners and entertaining

This easy weeknight chicken meal transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish.

Flavor Profile

This mushroom wine sauce chicken offers:

Earthy mushrooms
Slightly sweet Marsala wine
Rich buttery creaminess
Tender pasta texture
Savory depth from parmesan

The creamy orzo balances the bold sauce while absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marsala

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup Marsala wine
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Orzo

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
Season flour with salt and pepper.
Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Mushrooms

In same skillet, add sliced mushrooms.
Cook until browned and tender (about 5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Step 4: Deglaze with Marsala

Pour in Marsala wine.
Scrape browned bits from bottom of pan.
Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Add chicken broth and simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream.
Return chicken to pan.
Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Orzo

In saucepan, bring chicken broth to boil.
Add orzo and cook 8–10 minutes until tender.
Stir in butter, heavy cream, and parmesan.
Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon creamy orzo onto plates.
Top with chicken and mushroom Marsala sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Savory Marsala Chicken

Use Dry Marsala Wine

Dry Marsala provides better balance than sweet.

Don’t Crowd the Pan

Cook chicken in batches if necessary for proper browning.

Let Sauce Reduce

Allow wine to reduce for concentrated flavor.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley brightens the rich sauce.

Variations

Add Spinach

Stir fresh spinach into sauce before serving.

Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless thighs add extra juiciness.

Make It Lighter

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free flour and pasta substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted asparagus
Serve with garlic bread
Add simple green salad
Perfect with white wine

This creamy orzo recipe pairs beautifully with the rich chicken Marsala flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth.
Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving Approx.)

Calories: 620
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 28g
Sodium: 720mg

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of:

Proper searing for flavor development
Wine reduction for depth
Cream for smooth texture
Parmesan-enriched orzo for balance

creates a restaurant-style dish at home.

Final Thoughts

Savory Marsala Chicken with Creamy Orzo is the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance dinner. The rich mushroom wine sauce chicken layered over creamy parmesan orzo offers satisfying texture and depth of flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, this chicken Marsala dinner proves that classic flavors never go out of style.