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High Protein One Pan Chicken Marsala Orzo Skillet

Tender chicken and orzo cooked together in Marsala wine with mushrooms, cream, and spinach for an easy one-pan dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb dry orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 3.5-4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt for extra protein
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • wooden spoon
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once or twice, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned and onions are soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta until slightly golden and aromatic.
  4. Pour in Marsala wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Let simmer for about 2 minutes until reduced by roughly half.
  5. Add 3.5 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add remaining broth if needed.
  6. Stir in heavy cream or Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  7. Add baby spinach and seared chicken with any accumulated juices. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Orzo absorbs sauce as it sits. Reheat on stovetop with added broth to restore creaminess. Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, dry white wine with brown sugar for Marsala, Greek yogurt for extra protein instead of cream. Add peas, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for more vegetables. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Make-ahead: Sear chicken and cook vegetables ahead, refrigerate, then finish when ready to serve. Pro Tip: Stir orzo regularly to prevent sticking. Exact broth amount varies by brand and heat level. Add extra if orzo is firm but liquid is gone.