If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This meal masterfully combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with creamy orzo pasta enriched by the fragrant, herby goodness of Boursin cheese. Each bite is a luxurious medley of flavor and texture that’s surprisingly simple to make, bringing freshness and warmth to your weeknight table or a casual dinner with friends. Once you discover how wonderfully the rich creaminess of Boursin cheese elevates the orzo alongside juicy chicken, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to cook and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but essential for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the robust olive oil to the vibrant fresh spinach, each component plays a key role in building the dish’s incredible depth.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for searing the chicken, adding subtle richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when seasoned well.
- Garlic powder: Offers a fragrant, savory note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken’s crust.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Orzo pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Imparts savory richness to the orzo and keeps it wonderfully moist.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor): The game-changer ingredient that melts into a flavorful, herby sauce.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a burst of color and a healthy, fresh bite to balance the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For extra savory depth and a touch of nuttiness at the end.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright garnish that freshens each bite and lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; then coat your chicken breasts evenly with this delicious spice blend. When the skillet is ready, sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. The crust created here locks in juices, ensuring your chicken stays moist and flavorful. Once cooked, set the chicken aside—it will finish cooking with the orzo later.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet that holds all those wonderful browned bits, add the dry orzo pasta. Toast it for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This step enhances the orzo’s nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy, creating a bit of texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly. The broth infuses the pasta with savory richness and keeps it tender but perfectly al dente, building the base for a dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Lower the heat to keep things gentle, then stir in the heavy cream and the whole package of Boursin cheese. Watch as the creamy Boursin melts effortlessly, transforming the orzo into a luscious, herb-infused sauce that’s totally irresistible. This is where the dish earns its unique, flavorful personality.
Step 5: Add Fresh Spinach and Chicken
Next, stir in the chopped fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts and adds a fresh, vibrant green color. Finally, nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet to warm through with the creamy orzo mixture. This melding of flavors ensures every forkful is balanced with tender meat, verdant greens, and a silky sauce.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Once plated, sprinkle the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if you like. These simple garnishes add a delightful pop of flavor and a fresh visual appeal that elevates the entire experience. The Parmesan deepens the savory notes while parsley brightens each bite with herbal zest.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty entrée pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The freshness and crunch of these sides offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy orzo and chicken, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe in individual bowls topped with extra herbs, or even inside mini cast iron skillets straight from the oven for an inviting rustic chic look. Adding lemon wedges on the side can brighten the dish for those who love a hint of citrus zest. Presentation can be just as comforting as flavor here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain its creamy texture and avoid condensation.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you separate the chicken from the orzo sauce. Freeze in freezer-friendly containers, labeling them to keep things organized. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet or microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore the silky sauce’s consistency if it has thickened in the fridge. Stir occasionally for even heating and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese brings a unique blend of garlic and herbs that defines this recipe, you can experiment with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or a soft goat cheese for a different but still creamy and flavorful sauce.
Is orzo pasta the only pasta that works?
Orzo is ideal because of its small size and quick cooking time, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To adapt for a dairy-free diet, try using a dairy-free cream alternative and a herbed dairy-free cheese spread. The texture and flavor will change, but it can still be delicious with the right ingredients.
How can I make the chicken extra juicy?
For juicy chicken, consider brining the breasts in a simple saltwater solution for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking during the searing step to keep the meat tender and moist.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is a fantastic meal prep option because it reheats well, can be portioned easily, and provides a balanced meal full of protein, carbs, and veggies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish like the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe that makes daily meals feel special without fuss. The creamy texture, vibrant herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken come together to create a crowd-pleasing dinner you can make any night of the week. Give it a try, and I promise it will earn a celebrated spot in your recipe rotation — every forkful reminds you why simple ingredients can be spectacular!
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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 is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken breasts with cheesy, herb-infused orzo pasta. Enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan, it’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure they are flavorful.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Toast Orzo: Using the same skillet with remaining oil and chicken flavors, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer 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 the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and forms a creamy, rich sauce coating the orzo.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Warm everything through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add extra flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
