If you’re craving a cozy, creamy meal that feels just like a warm hug, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With tender chicken cubes, luscious Boursin garlic & herb cheese melting into perfectly cooked orzo, and a touch of green from fresh spinach and parsley, every bite bursts with flavor and comfort. It’s a remarkable blend of creamy, savory, and fresh that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the final plate. From the rich, herb-infused Boursin cheese to the nutty Parmesan and fresh spinach, every item plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed): Tender, juicy chicken is the protein-packed heart of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing chicken and toasting orzo.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the savory notes, enhancing the chicken’s flavor perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, spicy kick to balance the creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta: The star carbohydrate that absorbs all the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with savory depth.
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin garlic & herb cheese: The secret weapon for creamy, aromatic richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Ensures a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity to the creaminess.
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional): A fresh, vibrant green addition that’s mild yet nutritious.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Offers a bright, fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning infuses the chicken with flavorful layers that are easy but impactful. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and then add the chicken. Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside – this step ensures the chicken stays juicy and perfectly cooked without overcooking later.
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet, throw in the orzo and toast it for a minute or two. Toasting the orzo first helps develop a slightly nutty flavor and gives the pasta a lovely texture when cooked. Keep stirring to prevent burning, and breathe in that delicious aroma as the orzo heats up.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo in Chicken Broth
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let the orzo cook for about 8 to 10 minutes or until it’s tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. This simmering process is where the orzo absorbs the broth’s rich, savory goodness and becomes tender yet still with a bit of bite.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and add the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan to the orzo. Stir everything together until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns irresistibly creamy and smooth. This step is where the dish comes to life with those lush, herb-infused cream sauces that make every mouthful divine and comforting.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in the fresh baby spinach if you’re using it. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy texture. Cooking the spinach here ensures it stays tender without losing its bright green color.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top to add a burst of fresh herbaceousness that brightens the entire dish. Serve your creamy, dreamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe warm, and prepare to enjoy every comforting bite.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish makes all the difference! Chopped parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note and a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy orzo. If you want an extra garnish twist, a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish even more, highlighting the herbs in the Boursin cheese.
Side Dishes
This creamy and hearty main pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A crusty artisan bread is also fantastic to soak up any remaining sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel or plate it on wide dishes and garnish with edible flowers for a more elegant touch. You can also place piles of the orzo in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, colorful presentation that doubles as a serving vessel. Presentation is a chance to get playful and make the dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste just as good, if not better. Just avoid storing garnishes like parsley with it; add those fresh before serving again.
Freezing
While creamy dishes can be tricky to freeze because of their dairy content, you can freeze this recipe if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This will restore creaminess and prevent the dish from drying out or curdling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
You can substitute with another creamy, flavored cheese like herbed cream cheese or goat cheese. While it won’t be exactly the same, the dish will still have that lovely creamy, herbaceous quality.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional orzo pasta contains gluten, but you could use a gluten-free pasta alternative for a gluten-free version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers for that hearty texture. The creamy Boursin and Parmesan will keep it rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is mild and packed with herb and garlic flavors rather than heat, making it perfect for everyone, including kids or those who prefer gentle seasoning.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream could work but will add a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food magic that combines ease and elegance in every bite. Rich, creamy, and brimming with fresh herbs and tender chicken, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for and satisfied — perfect for any day of the week. I can’t recommend it enough; once you make it, this recipe will absolutely become a cherished staple in your kitchen.
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 comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cubes sautéed to perfection, combined with orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken broth and blended with rich Boursin garlic & herb cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Enhanced with fresh baby spinach and garnished with parsley, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying dinner ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Add-ins and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the cubed chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: Using the same pan with the remaining oil and flavorful bits, add the orzo pasta. Toast it for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the Boursin garlic & herb cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, rich sauce that coats the orzo evenly.
- Combine and Wilt Spinach: Fold the cooked chicken and baby spinach (if using) into the creamy orzo mixture. Continue cooking over low heat until the spinach is wilted and tender, blending the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant touch, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and convenience.
- For added vegetables and nutrition, try adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli to the dish.
