Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: Boursin Orzo with Chicken. This dish is a true comfort food hero, balancing creamy, herby goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo. It comes together quickly, looks impressive in the bowl, and delivers the kind of flavor you crave after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Boursin Orzo with Chicken is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table. From the creamy, herby Boursin cheese to the savory chicken, every component plays a key role in making this dish irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and juicy, bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a mellow, savory garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken and orzo.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout the dish.
- Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the creamy sauce, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Chicken broth: Cooks the orzo and infuses it with savory flavor—no bland pasta here!
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): The creamy, tangy star that melts into the orzo and turns it into pure comfort.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick and helps thicken the sauce for ultimate creaminess.
- Baby spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Chopped parsley gives each serving a burst of freshness and pretty green flecks.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—think tender morsels that can soak up that luscious sauce. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix ensures every piece is flavorful, and it sets the stage for all the creamy, herby notes to come.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and juicy, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—it’ll join the party again soon.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Don’t skip this step! Add the dry orzo directly to the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want all those savory bits). Toast the orzo for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until it turns lightly golden and smells nutty. This extra step deepens the flavor and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the toasted orzo. Give it a good stir, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If it starts looking dry before the orzo is done, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Spinach
Now comes the magic moment that transforms this dish into Boursin Orzo with Chicken perfection. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and grated Parmesan. Watch as the cheese melts and creates a silky, herby sauce that clings to every grain of orzo. If you’re adding spinach, toss it in now and stir until just wilted.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken and any juices back to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. The result? An irresistibly creamy, cozy pan of Boursin Orzo with Chicken.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to finish this dish with a flourish. The green pops against the creamy orzo and adds a hint of brightness. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few grinds of black pepper.
Side Dishes
Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Steamed asparagus, garlic green beans, or a simple tomato salad are all great choices to round out the meal and keep it fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve the orzo in shallow bowls and top with sliced chicken, a swirl of olive oil, and vibrant parsley. You can also spoon it into a large platter for family-style serving, or use it as a creamy bed for grilled shrimp or roasted veggies if you want to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious for lunch the next day!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion the cooled orzo and chicken into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the creamy texture may change slightly after thawing, but a gentle reheat can help bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Boursin Orzo with Chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Boursin cheese is the flavor star, you can swap in a similar herbed cream cheese or goat cheese for a slightly different twist. The key is to use something creamy that will melt smoothly into the orzo.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have orzo?
You can substitute another small pasta shape like ditalini, small shells, or even rice in a pinch. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed, since different pastas absorb differently.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or peas along with the spinach. This is a flexible recipe, so use up whatever veggies you love or have on hand.
What’s the best way to make this ahead for a dinner party?
Prepare the Boursin Orzo with Chicken up to the point before adding the spinach and final cheese. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth, then stir in the spinach and cheese just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, herby, and downright irresistible, Boursin Orzo with Chicken is calling your name. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic and herb-infused Boursin cheese, Parmesan, and tender orzo pasta. Enhanced with fresh spinach and parsley, this easy skillet dinner offers a comforting American-style main course perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the dry orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes lightly golden to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the Boursin cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined. If using, add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts, incorporating the greens into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy orzo mixture. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat everything through evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top as a garnish, and serve the dish warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can boost the dish’s flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese options or low-sodium chicken broth.
- Baby spinach is optional but adds a nutritious color and texture; kale or arugula can work as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
