Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, comforting one-pan dinner featuring juicy seared chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and rich Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it by stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This enhances the orzo’s flavor and ensures a nuttier taste in the final dish.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the orzo perfectly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, preserving its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Reheat Chicken and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet to warm through alongside the creamy orzo. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- To speed up cooking, slice thick chicken breasts in half horizontally for quicker and even cooking.
- Enhance the dish by adding sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms together with the spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy consistency of the orzo.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, a mix of cream cheese with garlic and herbs can be used as a substitute, though Boursin provides the best authentic flavor.
Keywords: Boursin, orzo, chicken, creamy, one-pan dinner, garlic herb, spinach, quick dinner, stovetop recipe