If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese perfectly infuses the tender orzo pasta, while succulent, golden chicken breasts make every bite deeply satisfying. The fresh spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive enough to serve any night of the week or even for guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building flavor, creaminess, and texture that perfectly balance one another.
- 2 large chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites that soak up flavor.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Tiny pasta pearls that cook quickly and act as the perfect creamy base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection and adding richness.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping create a luscious sauce.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb): This creamy cheese brings a vibrant garlic and herb punch that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritional boost, balancing the richness.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for an extra layer of savory flavor and a delightful finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes in boiling salted water. Once tender yet firm, drain it well and set aside. This simple step prepares the perfect base that will soak up that luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and develops a beautiful golden crust. Take the chicken out and let it rest a few minutes, then slice it into tender strips for serving.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
In the same skillet, don’t clean out the flavorful bits left from the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and add your Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple broth into a rich, garlicky velvety coating that the orzo will love.
Step 4: Combine Orzo and Spinach
Next, stir the cooked orzo and chopped fresh spinach directly into the skillet with the sauce. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts, releasing its vibrant flavor and bright green color. This melds the textures and flavors beautifully, making sure every bite is creamy, fresh, and satisfying.
Step 5: Plate and Add Toppings
Serve the creamy orzo mixture on plates, then top with the sliced chicken breasts. Finally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra savory kick and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth finish. Serve immediately while it’s warm, comforting, and ready to impress!
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn this dish from cozy to stunning. Freshly chopped parsley or basil elevates the color and adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the palate. A twist of lemon zest can also add a citrusy lift, cutting through the creamy richness of the Boursin sauce.
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, serve this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Their textural contrast and fresh flavors keep the meal lively and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the orzo in shallow bowls topped artistically with fanned chicken slices and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You could also warm your bowls beforehand to keep the dish piping hot longer. If you want to add some color and crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the creamy sauce from drying out. When ready to eat, leftovers often taste even better as flavors meld together.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but best done without the fresh spinach included initially, as spinach can alter texture after freezing. Freeze the orzo and chicken mixture in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Warm it over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin in this recipe?
While Boursin cheese delivers a distinct garlic and herb flavor that’s key to this dish, you could substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs, or a soft herbed goat cheese. However, the unique creaminess and bold flavor of Boursin are hard to replicate exactly.
Is orzo the only pasta option for this recipe?
Orzo works beautifully because of its small, rice-like shape, but you can experiment with other small pasta shapes like Israeli couscous or small shells. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Can I add vegetables other than spinach?
Absolutely! Kale, arugula, or even steamed broccoli can be great substitutes or additions. Just add them at the right stage so they don’t overcook and lose their texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to up the protein and flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and maintains flavor after a day or two. Just store components separately if possible, and assemble before reheating for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together quickly, and this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe delivers all that and more. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe brings warmth and smiles to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover what a tasty gem it is!
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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 comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and served atop a garlic and herb Boursin cheese-infused orzo pasta with sautéed spinach and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts
Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it 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 the chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Make the Boursin sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and add the Boursin cheese. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine orzo and spinach: Add the cooked orzo and chopped spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently and cook until the spinach has wilted and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Plate the creamy orzo and spinach mixture, then top with the sliced chicken breasts. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic when heating the olive oil before cooking the chicken.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
