Description
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a skillet alongside orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, herby Boursin cheese sauce. A simple one-pan meal that combines comforting flavors and creamy textures, perfect for a satisfying European-inspired main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden, roasty crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside nearby.
- Sauté the orzo: In the same skillet with the residual oil and bits from the chicken, add the orzo pasta. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to toast the orzo slightly and prevent sticking or burning.
- Add chicken broth and cook orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat just until the liquid begins to bubble. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue to cook for about 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Make the creamy Boursin sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and crumble the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese into the orzo. Mix until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy, and herby sauce.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach leaves. Continue stirring just until the spinach wilts and turns soft, about 1 minute.
- Combine chicken and warm through: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Allow everything to warm together for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a flavorful and vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, a cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs makes a good alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your preference, especially if using a salty broth.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth and let it reduce for a minute.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
