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
Scale
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
