If you are on the hunt for a cozy, creamy, and utterly comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is totally going to become your new go-to. This dish brilliantly combines tender chicken breasts and delicate orzo pasta, all tossed in a luscious sauce featuring the rich, herbaceous goodness of Boursin cheese. It’s an effortless way to elevate simple ingredients into something special that you and your loved ones will want to savor night after night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are humble but magic-makers, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this dish. From the fragrant garlic powder to the vibrant fresh spinach, every element has its shining moment.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up seasonings and acts as the dish’s hearty centerpiece.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a comforting, savory depth without overpowering.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and provides a creamy, comforting texture.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo as it simmers.
- Heavy cream: Adds dreamlike creaminess and balances the tangy Boursin cheese.
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor): The star ingredient—rich, smooth, and bursting with fresh herb and garlic notes.
- Fresh spinach: A pop of green that wilts beautifully and adds gentle earthiness and nutrition.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers an extra layer of nutty umami for garnish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the whole dish with a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. While it warms up, season your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These simple spices will really bring out the flavor without overwhelming the juicy chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Once ready, transfer them to a plate and let them rest while you prepare the orzo base.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
In the same skillet, toss in the orzo pasta and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and adds depth to your dish. The residual oil and flavors from the chicken will mingle with the orzo beautifully.
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 cook for 8 to 10 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs all that savory broth.
Step 5: Make it Creamy with Boursin and Heavy Cream
Once the orzo is tender and almost all the broth is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the entire package of Boursin cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and coats the orzo in a rich, velvety sauce that’s pure indulgence in every bite.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach
Fold in the chopped spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. This not only adds a lovely splash of color but also freshens up the dish with its tender, leafy texture and mild flavor.
Step 7: Reintroduce the Chicken
Place the rested chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture so they can warm through and soak up some of the fantastic sauce.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top. The Parmesan adds an extra cheesy layer, while the parsley lends an aromatic freshness that makes the dish feel complete and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side salads like a simple arugula and lemon vinaigrette salad or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add some contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in pretty shallow bowls to showcase the creamy orzo and golden chicken. For a splash of color, add a few halved cherry tomatoes on top or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. If you’re feeling fancy, a wedge of lemon for squeezing adds a lovely bright note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The creamy orzo holds up nicely for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the texture of orzo might change slightly, becoming a bit softer upon thawing. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure it warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
You can substitute with another soft, herbed cheese like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, but Boursin’s unique flavor and texture really make this recipe stand out.
Is orzo pasta gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, look for orzo made from rice or quinoa at specialty stores or use similar small pasta substitutes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor. However, you might experiment with dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, but the taste and consistency will be different.
What can I serve instead of spinach?
Baby kale, Swiss chard, or even frozen peas can be great alternatives, adding nutrition and a touch of green to the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be golden on the outside and no longer pink inside when sliced.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, delivering cozy comfort and bright flavors all in one luscious plate. Trust me, once you experience this creamy, flavorful combination, it just might become a new family favorite.
Print
Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe combines tender seared chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth, tossed with tender orzo pasta and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Greens
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the heated skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to bring out a nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and absorbs most of the broth.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese until the cheese completely melts and the sauce turns creamy.
- Add Spinach: Mix in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
- Reheat Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the orzo mixture and warm through to ensure everything is hot and flavors meld together.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use gluten-free orzo or pasta if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
