If you’ve ever wanted a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with cozy flavors, this meal brings together tender chicken, luscious Boursin cheese, and delicate orzo pasta for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressive enough to become your new go-to dinner that delights everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—they each play an important role in crafting the rich, satisfying layers of this dish. From the buttery notes of olive oil to the fresh kick of chopped spinach, the balance here is just right to keep every bite interesting and flavorful.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and wonderfully absorbs the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for perfectly searing the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein that remains juicy and tender when cooked right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of pepper adds warmth and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously velvety and rich.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The simmering liquid that cooks the orzo, keeping it flavorful and moist.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh balance to the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a gentle smoky hint and a beautiful golden color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors—adjust as you prefer.
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a garlicky, herby dream sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, fresh finish and lovely scent when sprinkled just before serving.
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, savory topping that crisps slightly when served.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, give the chicken breasts a delicious seasoning with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re gloriously golden and cooked through. This step locks in moisture and builds that beautifully roasted flavor you’ll love.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet (yep, no need to dirty another pan), toss your orzo in and stir it for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step brings out a subtle nutty flavor in the orzo and ensures it won’t be mushy later on. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick or burn—this little attention makes a big difference!
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Add the chicken broth to the pan and increase the heat until you see it bubbling gently. Put a lid on the skillet and let the orzo simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender but still maintain a pleasant bite—just like the perfect al dente pasta.
Step 4: Add Cream and Boursin Cheese
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream, then drop in the entire wheel of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. What you get is a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every piece of orzo with garlicky herb goodness—truly irresistible!
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
Next, fold in the chopped fresh spinach. Keep stirring until the leaves wilt just enough to soften slightly but still keep that fresh green pop. This adds not only a lovely splash of color but also a subtle freshness that weighs perfectly against the richness of the sauce.
Step 6: Reheat the Chicken
Slide your cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy orzo. Let everything warm through together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully and the chicken to soak up some of that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before digging in, sprinkle the dish generously with shredded Parmesan and fresh parsley. The Parmesan adds a subtle salty crunch, while parsley brightens the entire plate with its fresh herbal notes. Serve straight from the skillet for a comforting presentation guaranteed to make everyone smile.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan are classic choices that elevate both the taste and the look. You could also add a squeeze of lemon for a zingy twist or a few red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. These small touches personalize the dish and bring out even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with simple sides keeps everything balanced. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or carrots make fantastic companions. These sides add texture and freshness that complement the creamy orzo and chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the orzo in elegant shallow bowls, topped individually with sliced chicken breasts fanned out nicely. Serve with some crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette for mopping up every last bit of the irresistible sauce. You can even garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe tastes great when reheated within 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or an easy second dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to keep the chicken separate from the orzo sauce to maintain texture. Freeze components in individual airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. Keep in mind, spinach might become softer after freezing but still works well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce starts to thicken too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. This method preserves that creamy texture and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin adds a unique garlic and herb flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic powder if needed. However, the distinctive creaminess of Boursin really brings the dish to life, so it’s worth seeking out.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken breasts for sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or a medley of roasted veggies. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the creamy, cheesy orzo will be just as satisfying.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, replace the orzo pasta with a gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower rice. Make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free for the best results without compromising on flavor.
Does this recipe reheat well for meal prep?
Absolutely! Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe holds up nicely when reheated, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Just store portions in airtight containers and warm gently to enjoy the creamy sauce and tender chicken every time.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers along with the spinach for extra texture and color. Adding vegetables is a great way to customize the dish to your taste and boost its nutritional profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe combines simplicity with indulgence. With every creamy, cheesy bite, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a comforting secret worth sharing. I can’t recommend it enough—trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, flavorful dish soon!
Print
Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a quick and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with toasted orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth and enriched with Boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese, heavy cream, and fresh spinach. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley, it’s a perfect dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, add more if desired
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on one side until browned, then flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and roasted. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside nearby.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly without burning.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and increase heat until it begins to bubble. Cover with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the orzo is soft but not mushy.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until the leaves soften, about 1 minute.
- Reheat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and allow everything to warm together for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth can help control the salt level in this dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the orzo to avoid a mushy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
