Boursin Orzo with Chicken

This creamy Boursin orzo with chicken combines tender pasta, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken breasts for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. The combination of rich Boursin cheese, tender orzo, and juicy chicken creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent while coming together quickly enough for weeknight dinners.

I first created this recipe when I needed something impressive for unexpected dinner guests but had limited time. The Boursin cheese transformed what would have been an ordinary chicken pasta into something my friends still request years later when they visit.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provides lean protein that stays juicy when properly seared
• Orzo pasta: looks like rice but cooks faster and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Boursin cheese: Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is the secret ingredient that creates an instant creamy sauce
• Heavy cream: adds richness and helps create the silky texture
• Fresh spinach: incorporates a nutritional boost while wilting perfectly into the sauce
• Chicken broth: infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks
• Simple seasonings: like garlic powder and paprika enhance the chicken without overwhelming the dish
• Parmesan cheese: optional but adds a salty umami finish to the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken:

Season chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place chicken in the pan without overcrowding and let it sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip once and cook the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside on a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.

Toast the Orzo:

Add the orzo pasta to the same skillet with all those flavorful chicken bits still in the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until you notice a light golden color developing. This toasting step creates a nutty flavor and helps the orzo maintain its texture even after absorbing liquid.

Simmer the Pasta:

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. These bits contain concentrated flavor. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should absorb most of the liquid and become tender but still with a slight bite.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce heat to low before adding the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts into a silky sauce that coats the orzo. The low heat prevents the dairy from separating or becoming grainy.

Finish the Dish:

Add the chopped fresh spinach and stir until it just wilts into the creamy mixture. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo to rewarm. The residual heat will perfectly wilt the spinach without making it mushy and warm the chicken through.

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The Boursin cheese is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. My daughter who normally picks around vegetables will happily devour the spinach in this dish because the creamy sauce makes everything taste decadent. I discovered this combination when trying to recreate a dish from our favorite date night restaurant.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Boursin orzo with chicken stays delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container. The pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency. I find the flavors actually develop further after a day in the refrigerator, making this an excellent meal prep option. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop rather than using a microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes many adaptations depending on what you have available. Turkey cutlets work beautifully in place of chicken, cooking even faster. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead, adding sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. No Boursin cheese? Cream cheese mixed with herbs and a minced garlic clove creates a similar effect. Kale or arugula can replace spinach, though kale will need slightly longer to wilt. The dish remains delicious even with these adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy orzo and chicken in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful sauce. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright counterpoint to the richness. For entertaining, transfer everything to a beautiful serving dish and garnish with extra herbs and lemon zest for visual appeal. This dish pairs wonderfully with an unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir if serving wine. A slice of crusty bread on the side helps capture every bit of the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Boursin cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese, goat cheese, or another soft herbed cheese.

→ What can I use instead of orzo?

Substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice for a similar texture.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it. Add a splash of cream or broth while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.

→ Can I substitute spinach with another vegetable?

Of course! Try using kale, arugula, or even peas for a similar vibrant touch.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain the creamy texture.