Description
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, cooked orzo pasta simmered in flavorful chicken broth, and enriched with luscious Boursin cheese and fresh spinach. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant dinner option that combines savory herbs, creamy textures, and a touch of freshness with Parmesan and parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Orzo and Sauce
- 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 the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to bring out a nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream followed by the Boursin cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate the chopped fresh spinach into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends with the creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Warm everything through for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of flavor and color before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese combined with garlic and herbs can be a good substitute.
- Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
