This creamy Boursin orzo with chicken is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, rich Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo. With a velvety sauce and fresh spinach for balance, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or an indulgent meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy with flavorful Boursin cheese
- Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes
- One-pan meal for minimal cleanup
- Perfectly balanced with protein, pasta, and greens
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Orzo pasta
- Boursin cheese
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Spinach, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and Boursin cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Add sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add More Veggies: Try mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use light Boursin cheese and whole wheat orzo for a healthier twist.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to maintain creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken?
Searing in a skillet gives the best flavor, but you can also bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken or replace it with mushrooms or tofu.
What type of Boursin cheese should I use?
Garlic & Herb is the most popular choice, but you can try other flavors for variety.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Stir it occasionally while cooking and toss it with a little olive oil if not using immediately.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use milk instead of chicken broth?
Yes! Milk or a mix of milk and broth will make it even creamier.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats well and stays creamy with a little added broth when reheating.
Conclusion
This Boursin orzo with chicken is a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s perfect for a comforting dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite pasta dish!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, rich Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo in a velvety sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and Boursin cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked orzo and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: Try mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use light Boursin cheese and whole wheat orzo.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, Comfort Food
