If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, creamy dinner that will have everyone at the table scraping their plates, you absolutely need to try Boursin Orzo with Chicken. This dish is the definition of weeknight magic—tender chicken pieces folded into delicate orzo, all tangled up in a rich sauce that bursts with garlic-herb Boursin, a hint of parmesan, and a pop of fresh greens. Quick to make and nearly impossible to mess up, this one-pan wonder delivers luxurious flavor with minimal fuss, giving you restaurant vibes right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Boursin Orzo with Chicken is how a handful of ordinary ingredients melt together into something show-stopping. Each part brings its own touch—be it velvety richness, a hint of tang, or irresistible creaminess.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and plenty of tasty nooks for the sauce to cling to.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds subtle, fruity depth to every bite.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and seasons the chicken just right from the start.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and balances the rich sauce.
- Orzo pasta: Its rice-like shape soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce—total comfort food material.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that irresistible silky finish, making the whole dish luscious and dreamy.
- Boursin garlic and herb cheese: The secret to this recipe’s creamy, herby flavor that pulls the entire skillet together.
- Baby spinach: Offers gorgeous green color and a fresh bite to balance the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that amplifies the flavor of every forkful.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkle over the top for a burst of color and cool, herby freshness.
- Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze at the end brightens up the entire dish and cuts through the richness.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by sprinkling your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures each juicy morsel is seasoned all the way through. Warm up your favorite large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, then toss in the chicken. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is just golden and cooked through. Once it’s done, scoop the pieces out onto a plate and set aside—you’ll return to these beauties soon!
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
With your chicken resting, add the uncooked orzo right to that flavorful skillet. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the orzo toast gently. This step is pure flavor magic—it gives the final Boursin Orzo with Chicken a toasty, almost nutty undertone that you simply can’t get if you skip it.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Now, pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat until you hit a gentle boil. Drop the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the orzo simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo will plump up beautifully and soak in loads of flavor, with most of the broth getting absorbed.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Boursin
Uncover the skillet, and here’s where the transformation happens! Pour in the heavy cream and crumble in all the Boursin cheese. Stir gently as everything melts together into a lush, fragrant sauce. The garlic-herb flavors will swirl through the orzo and create the signature creamy base of Boursin Orzo with Chicken.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken, Spinach, and Parmesan
Time for everything to come full circle. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan. Stir together over low heat until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, coating every grain and bite. You’re now just moments away from pure comfort!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Slide your creation off the heat, shower it with fresh chopped parsley, and if you like, add a quick squeeze of tangy lemon. Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken warm in bowls—everyone will be ready and waiting with a fork in hand.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley on top instantly elevates the presentation, adding cool, herbal notes and a splash of green. For extra brightness, serve with lemon wedges on the side—just a drizzle of lemon juice wakes up all the flavors. If you love a touch of heat, a scattering of red pepper flakes does wonders.
Side Dishes
Boursin Orzo with Chicken is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Think asparagus spears or garlicky green beans. Some crusty bread is always welcome for scooping up the extra sauce, too!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Boursin Orzo with Chicken in shallow pasta bowls with an extra twist of fresh cracked black pepper. For gatherings, portion it into ramekins or mini cocottes—everyone will feel like they’re getting a special treat. It also makes a gorgeous bed for roasted tomatoes or crispy prosciutto if you want to jazz it up for date night or a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the Boursin Orzo with Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for lunch the next day.
Freezing
Creamy pasta dishes can be a little tricky to freeze, as the sauce may separate. However, if you want to stash some away, portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Stir well after reheating to bring everything back together.
Reheating
Pop a serving of Boursin Orzo with Chicken into the microwave and heat in short bursts, adding a small splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to restore creaminess. On the stovetop, warm over low heat, stirring gently, until hot. Freshen up with an extra sprinkle of parsley if you like!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Boursin Orzo with Chicken. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it in when you return the chicken to the skillet near the end of the recipe.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese if I can’t find it?
If Boursin is unavailable, try using herbed cream cheese mixed with a bit of garlic powder and dried chives. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still give your orzo a creamy, delicious flavor.
Will another leafy green work in place of spinach?
Yes! Kale (thinly sliced) or even peas work really well. Just be sure to add kale a bit earlier so it has time to soften. The recipe is flexible, so experiment with your favorite greens.
Can I make Boursin Orzo with Chicken gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free orzo pasta at specialty or natural food stores. Swap that in, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a gluten-free version of this cozy dish.
Is Boursin Orzo with Chicken spicy?
By default, this dish is mild and super kid-friendly. To add a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken, or offer them at the table for those who want some extra zing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and a little bit special about a bowl of Boursin Orzo with Chicken. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress friends on the weekend, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews—and happy, satisfied bellies!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe is a perfect dish for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and a blend of herbs and cheeses come together to create a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo:
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Toast the orzo: In the same skillet, toast the uncooked orzo for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the orzo: Pour in chicken broth, simmer until tender.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Add chicken, spinach, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or peas for the spinach.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
