A creamy, indulgent one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and rich herbed Boursin cheese. This dish combines convenience with elegance—ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
- Rich and Creamy: Boursin cheese and heavy cream create a velvety, flavorful sauce.
- Balanced Flavors: Tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh spinach for a delicious bite every time.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Combine Chicken: Return chicken to skillet and warm through in the sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey cutlets instead of chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Cheese Variation: Try different Boursin flavors or creamy goat cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home with ease. Perfect for a quick family dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests—enjoy every creamy, herby bite!