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
Scale
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.
