If you are craving a cozy, creamy, and utterly comforting dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, you will adore this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of tender chicken breasts, luscious Boursin cheese infused with garlic and fine herbs, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, all brought together in a skillet to create a dreamy one-pan meal. The spinach adds a lovely pop of color and a nutritious touch, while the subtle seasonings elevate every bite. This dish is an absolute winner for busy weeknights or even relaxed weekend dinners when you want something impressive but easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to create the magic of this dish. Each component brings its own flair, whether it’s the tender texture of chicken, the creamy richness of Boursin cheese, or the vibrant freshness of spinach. Let’s take a look at what you’ll gather to make this flavorful masterpiece.
- Olive oil: A perfect base for searing the chicken and toasting the orzo, adding a fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and soak up all those gorgeous flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the Boursin’s garlic notes.
- Paprika: Lends a slightly smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
- Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce base.
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor): The star of the dish, this cheese melts into creamy perfection, delivering bursts of herbaceous and garlicky flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on top to add a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, herbal garnish that ties it all together.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix gives your chicken that irresistible flavor boost without stealing the show from the creamy orzo. Once seasoned, you’re ready to bring the chicken to a beautifully golden sear.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, cooking them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. The searing locks in juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—the magic continues with the orzo!
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
In the same skillet (no need to dirty another pan), add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step brings out a subtle nuttiness in the orzo and builds flavor in the base of your dish. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Step 4: Simmer the Orzo in Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. You’ll notice the pasta softening and absorbing that savory broth, making the dish so much more flavorful than plain pasta.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Boursin Cheese
Once the orzo is tender, reduce the heat to low and gently mix in the heavy cream along with the Boursin cheese. The cheese will melt smoothly into the sauce, turning it rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible. This is the moment when the dish really starts to feel indulgent!
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach adds not only a vibrant green color but also a pleasant fresh balance to the creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s such a lovely way to sneak some greens onto your plate.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Warm everything through for a few minutes so the chicken reheats and the flavors marry together beautifully.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if you like. These final touches add a nutty crunch and a burst of fresh herb flavor that make this dish feel complete and incredibly inviting.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little parsley and Parmesan go a long way here, adding that perfect finishing touch to your Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe. Fresh parsley brightens the plate and brings a hint of grassy freshness, while Parmesan adds an extra layer of umami and texture. For an added flair, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil can give it a gorgeous shine and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own thanks to its creamy, hearty nature, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, also make an excellent pairing, adding crunchy, caramelized notes that complement the softness of the orzo.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner or special occasion, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of the creamy orzo, neatly plating the spinach around the edges. Using a wide, shallow bowl helps showcase the colors and textures. Alternatively, serve everything family-style in the skillet right at the table to encourage sharing and cozy vibes—nothing beats digging into this comfort food with loved ones!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or a quick dinner when you’re short on time.
Freezing
This dish freezes well thanks to the hearty ingredients, especially if you separate the chicken from the orzo. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, and it will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry. Microwave works fine for a quicker option but stir halfway through to evenly warm the creamy orzo and chicken without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I substitute Boursin cheese with something else?
Yes, while Boursin cheese lends a unique creamy and herbaceous flavor, you can use cream cheese blended with garlic and herbs as a substitute. However, the signature taste might be slightly different, so Boursin is recommended if you want the authentic experience.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe stores wonderfully for a few days and reheats just as nicely. Just be sure to keep the components together in one container to let the flavors develop, or store chicken and orzo separately if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Orzo is ideal here because its small shape cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully. If you want a substitute, small-shaped pastas like acini di pepe or pastina work well, but avoid larger pasta types that won’t meld as seamlessly with the sauce.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is mildly seasoned with paprika and black pepper but not spicy in the traditional sense. It’s very approachable for all palates, with the creamy Boursin balancing and soothing the flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas when you add the spinach for extra color and flavor. Just keep cook times in mind to ensure everything is tender and well-integrated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow yourself or your loved ones with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet rich enough to feel special, combining flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and get ready to make something truly delightful!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy and comforting Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with garlic and herb-infused Boursin cheese, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish offers a rich sauce and wholesome ingredients that come together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Proteins & Dairy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Grains & Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pantry Staples & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with savory flavor.
- Sear chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Toast orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and prevents sticking.
- Cook orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add cream and Boursin: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the creamy sauce.
- Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture and warming them through for a couple more minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, top the finished dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if desired.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese adds a unique herbal flavor but can be substituted with cream cheese and garlic powder if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the creaminess.
- If you prefer, the Parmesan cheese garnish can be omitted for a dairy-reduced meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
