If you’re craving a meal that feels both comforting and classy, the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. Creamy Boursin cheese melts into tender orzo pasta, and when paired with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts and fresh spinach, it creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. This dish hits all the right notes—rich, savory, fresh, and utterly satisfying—making it a stunning dinner that’s surprisingly simple to whip up on any weeknight or when friends come over for a cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, with ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Every component is easy to find and brings something special, from the creamy tang of Boursin cheese to the hearty, bite-sized orzo. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe sing.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Choose fresh, boneless breasts for tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: These tiny, rice-shaped pasta pieces soak up flavors beautifully and create a lovely base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture when cooking the orzo and melting the cheese.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb): This creamy, herby cheese is the star ingredient that brings a luscious, aromatic quality.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh burst of color and a gentle earthiness that balances the richness.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that highlights all the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all the creamy goodness later. This step is important because perfectly cooked orzo acts as the comforting, tender base for the following layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it develops a golden crust and is cooked through. Removing the chicken and slicing it afterward allows you to layer it beautifully over the orzo later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and add the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth. This step creates a luscious, herb-packed sauce that clings to the orzo and chicken, making each bite utterly delicious.
Step 4: Combine Orzo and Spinach
Toss the cooked orzo and chopped spinach into the creamy sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts gently into the mix. This adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a vibrant pop of green, balancing the richness of the sauce with a hint of freshness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To finish, nestle the sliced chicken onto the bed of creamy orzo and spinach, then sprinkle everything with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it warm to enjoy the melty cheese and tender textures all together. This final presentation looks inviting and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish made with love in your own kitchen.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little cracked black pepper makes an easy, elegant garnish that adds a slight herbal freshness and visual appeal. You could also add a lemon wedge on the side for a bright citrus note that brightens up the creamy richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or lightly roasted seasonal vegetables. Think asparagus or green beans tossed with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt to complement, not overpower, the creamy orzo and savory chicken flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced and fanned out over the orzo on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or basil. You can also turn it into an elegant one-pot meal by baking it briefly with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan until golden and bubbly on top—perfect for when you want something a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more the next day, making it a delicious lunch or dinner option. Just be sure to consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the creamy consistency and fresh flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and maintain that beautiful creamy texture you loved when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin’s Garlic & Herb cheese is a key to the dish’s signature flavor, you can experiment with other creamy, herb-infused cheeses like cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or goat cheese. Just keep in mind that the unique blend of herbs and garlic in Boursin is hard to replicate exactly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and enjoy the creamy orzo with your favorite vegetarian additions.
What type of orzo works best?
Regular orzo pasta is perfect for this recipe as it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Whole wheat orzo can be used for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but it may need slightly longer cooking time.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prepare the orzo and chicken ahead of time and keep them refrigerated separately. Just combine everything with the sauce before serving and warm it gently. The dish stays bright and fresh when put together just before eating.
How can I make the chicken extra juicy?
To keep chicken breasts tender and juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking, and avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute inside the meat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the creamy, herby magic in this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe. It brings together simplicity and elegance in a way that makes you look forward to every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family night or impressing guests, this dish is a true winner that’s guaranteed to become a delightful favorite you’ll make again and again.
Print
Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and served over delicate orzo pasta tossed in a luscious garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish combines simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, typically boiling it in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and add the Boursin cheese. Stir carefully over medium heat until the cheese fully melts and combines with the broth, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine orzo and spinach: Add the cooked orzo and chopped spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the orzo is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Place the sliced chicken on top of the orzo mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a lighter version, consider using less olive oil or a non-stick spray to cook the chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
