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. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. Add Spinach (Optional):
   • If using spinach, fold it into the orzo and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
6. Combine:
   • Return the sliced or cubed chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
7. 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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• 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

Instructions

 

• **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.