Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together the delicate texture of orzo pasta, tender pieces of chicken, and the rich, herby creaminess of Boursin cheese.
It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for guests. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and creamy cheese makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs or your preferred variety)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice or cube before serving.
- Cook the Orzo:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add Liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Stir in the Boursin cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add Spinach (Optional):
- If using spinach, fold it into the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
- Combine:
- Return the sliced or cubed chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Expert Tips
- Toast the Orzo: Taking a minute to toast the orzo in butter adds a nutty depth of flavor to the dish.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs for a similar flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead of regular orzo.
- Low-Carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice or zoodles.
- Cheese Variations: Try goat cheese or mascarpone for a unique twist.
Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together the delicate texture of orzo pasta, tender pieces of chicken, and the rich, herby creaminess of Boursin cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for guests.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Prepare the Chicken:**
- - Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- - Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice or cube before serving.
- **Cook the Orzo:**
- - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- - Stir in the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- **Add Liquids:**
- - Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- **Incorporate the Cheese:**
- - Stir in the Boursin cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- **Add Spinach (Optional):**
- - If using spinach, fold it into the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
- **Combine:**
- - Return the sliced or cubed chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- **Serve:**
- - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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