If you are looking for a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your dinner table, you have to try this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal where tender chicken meets perfectly cooked orzo, all wrapped in a luscious garlic and herb cheese sauce. This recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also surprisingly easy to make, making it your new go-to weeknight winner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing their part to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this cozy dish. From the delicate orzo pasta to the creamy Boursin cheese, everything works together beautifully.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The star grain here, offering a fun, rice-like texture that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and toast the orzo, adding a fragrant, fruity base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with warm, savory notes.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that holds the spices well and cooks quickly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that flavors the orzo as it softens.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a mild, fresh bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky sweetness and appealing color to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, add more if you like: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a creamy, herbaceous sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a bright, fresh finishing touch.
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory garnish that complements the Boursin beautifully.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by sprinkling the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. This simple seasoning creates a flavorful crust once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. The chicken should look beautifully roasty with a golden-brown color and be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside nearby; we’ll bring it back later to reheat and combine with the sauce.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Without cleaning the pan, toss in the orzo pasta. Stir it constantly for 1 to 2 minutes; this step lightly toasts the orzo, giving it a nutty aroma and helping it hold its shape well during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat until the liquid begins to bubble. Immediately cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Every few minutes, stir the orzo to prevent sticking, and keep cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still has a little bite.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Turn the heat down to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the entire wheel of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Stir gently and patiently until the cheese melts completely, turning the mixture into a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to every grain of orzo.
Step 6: Add the Spinach
Now, toss in the chopped spinach and stir just until the leaves soften, which should take about a minute. This keeps the spinach vibrant and fresh, balancing the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Step 7: Reheat the Chicken and Combine
Slide the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the orzo and sauce, letting everything warm through together for a couple of minutes. This final step allows the flavors to meld and ensures your chicken is juicy and tender when served.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. Your Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your dish visually and taste-wise. The bright green chopped parsley adds freshness that cuts through the richness, while a generous sprinkling of Parmesan gives a lovely nutty, salty finish that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with crisp and light sides works best. A fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables provide great contrast, adding texture and bright notes to balance the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the orzo and chicken in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and the beautifully seared chicken on top. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon on the chicken for added visual appeal and a flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe freezes reasonably well, but for best texture, freeze before adding the fresh spinach and cheese sauce. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the orzo and chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh spinach and Boursin while reheating to keep the flavors fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much, to bring it back to that silky, dreamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this recipe due to its small size and ability to soak up the sauce, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on Boursin cheese and cream for its signature flavor and creaminess. For dairy-free options, try a plant-based cream and cheese substitute, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
You can, but bone-in chicken will require longer cooking times and might alter how you prepare each step. Boneless breasts are best for this recipe’s quick cooking method.
What can I do if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
If you don’t have Boursin, a soft, garlic and herb goat cheese or cream cheese with added garlic and herbs can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week for hassle-free, tasty meals.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate but comes together in under 30 minutes. Its creamy, herb-infused sauce combined with tender chicken and wholesome orzo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’m excited for you to give it a try and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a comforting, flavorful one-pan dish. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and pan-seared to a golden roast, then combined with toasted orzo pasta cooked in chicken broth and finished with a rich sauce of heavy cream and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley on top make this a perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pantry Staples
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (add more if needed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast to season thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side until nicely browned. Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and has a roasty golden color. Remove from the skillet and set aside nearby.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to toast it lightly without burning. This enhances the nutty flavor of the orzo.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and increase heat until the liquid just begins to bubble. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Stir the orzo every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce coating the orzo evenly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute until the leaves soften and wilt into the sauce, adding a fresh pop of green and nutrients.
- Reheat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Allow everything to warm together for a few minutes so the chicken heats through and the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy this savory, creamy dinner!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo; it should be tender but still have a slight bite to prevent mushiness.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
