Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a comforting, creamy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are paired with flavorful orzo pasta, enriched with garlic and herb Boursin cheese for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, toast orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Step 6: Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet and warm through for a couple of minutes.
- Step 8: Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with a bit of lemon juice before cooking.
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green twist.
- If you don’t have Boursin cheese, cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can work as a substitute.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous or acini di pepe work well. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
Is Boursin cheese essential for the recipe?
Boursin adds a unique garlic and herb flavor that defines this dish, but you can substitute with cream cheese combined with fresh herbs and garlic if needed.
PrintBoursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with garlic and herb-infused Boursin cheese, creamy heavy cream, and fresh spinach, all tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. A one-pan skillet meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
- Add Cream and Boursin Cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach: Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the dish.
- Finish with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and warm them through in the creamy orzo mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired, before serving for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, try cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Boursin cheese chicken recipe, creamy orzo pasta, one-pan chicken dinner, garlic herb chicken, spinach pasta skillet
