One-Pot Marsala Orzo with Leftover Turkey (or Chicken!)

This One Pot Marsala Orzo is pure weeknight comfort – tender orzo simmered in a creamy Marsala sauce with mushrooms, thyme and leftover turkey or chicken. This easy one pot wonder is simply packed with flavor!

Marsala sauce, oh how I love you!! I can never get over the deliciousness just a handful of ingredients can bring out in a dish, especially one that uses up post-holiday turkey leftovers (let’s be honest, by day 3 everyone is a bit tired of turkey).

This One Pot Marsala Orzo transforms leftovers into a restaurant-worthy meal – no fuss, no waste, just cozy comfort wrapped in a creamy mushroom sauce. The orzo cooks right in the pan, soaking up all the flavor and cutting down on dirty dishes. A truly comforting dish you will find yourself turning to again and again.

Why I ❤️ This Recipe
✨ Everything cooks together, including the pasta.
✨ Transforms leftovers into something to look forward to 🙂
✨ Rich Marsala sauce = Comfort food heaven!
✨ Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Butter and olive oil: The dream team for sautéing — butter adds flavor while olive oil keeps it from burning.
• Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they build a lovely base flavor without overpowering the dish – and they soften faster too 😉
• Marsala: This fortified wine is the star here, adding a slightly sweet, nutty note that makes the sauce so hard to resist.
• Mushrooms: I used cremini mushrooms, but you can use whatever mushrooms you like!
• Orzo: Ideal for one-pot dishes as it cooks directly in the sauce, releasing starch which in turn creates a creamy texture with zero fuss.
• Leftover turkey: Dark or white meat both work. You can easily swap with cooked chicken or even rotisserie meat.
• Chicken stock or broth: Infuses the orzo with savory flavor as it cooks.
• Cream: I am using literally just a splash of heavy cream – feel free to adjust!
• Herbs: Fresh thyme pairs beautifully with mushrooms and parsley adds a touch of color as a garnish before serving.

How to Make Creamy Leftover Turkey Marsala Orzo

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet and sauté the shallots over medium-low heat for 5 minutes or until softened.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes. They will initially crowd the pan but will quickly cook down.
3. Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper and thyme. Add the orzo and toast for a minute.
4. Pour in the Marsala and turn heat to high – let it bubble away for a couple of minutes until it is reduced.
5. Stir in the chicken broth or stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. Add a splash of hot water or extra stock in the pan is looking dry – orzo has a tendency to soak up liquid like a sponge!

1. Add the turkey meat five minutes into cooking the orzo and stir through. Continue cooking until the orzo is al dente – tender but with a bit of a bite.
2. Stir in the cream and grated cheese, taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
3. Serve with extra freshly grated Parmesan, parsley and fresh thyme and enjoy the sheer deliciousness!

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Substitutions: This dish is a twist on classic Chicken Marsala – and you can certainly swap the leftover turkey for cooked chicken if preferred. You can replace the shallots with one small onion.
• Variations: Use a plant-based butter, cream and hard cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free if preferred. Gluten-free orzo can be used instead of regular orzo if that’s a concern. You can also omit the turkey or chicken and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Our star Ingredient: A dry or semi-dry Marsala is ideal for savory dishes.The alcohol cooks off leaving behind only lovely flavor and a bottle keeps for ages! Substitute with dry Sherry or vermouth.
• Leftovers and Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating – the orzo will absorb all the moisture in the sauce during storage.

This One Pot Turkey Marsala Orzo recipe is a great way to transform leftovers into something truly special. If you try it, please leave a rating and don’t forget to tag me on  @Instagram or TikTok so I can see your creations!

You might also like my Chicken Marsala Pasta.