Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Creamy, herb-infused, and utterly comforting, Boursin Orzo with Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo pasta with velvety Boursin cheese and juicy chicken for a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly satisfying. The distinctive garlic and herb notes from the Boursin cheese melt into every bite, creating a luxurious sauce that coats each grain of pasta perfectly. You’ll learn how to create this impressive yet simple dinner that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boursin Orzo with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice sophistication. The small, rice-shaped orzo pasta creates the perfect canvas for the rich, creamy sauce, absorbing flavors while maintaining its delightful texture. Unlike many creamy pasta dishes that can feel heavy, this one achieves remarkable depth without overwhelming the palate.

The magic happens when the Boursin cheese melts into the warm pasta, creating instant creaminess with no complicated sauce-making required. You’ll appreciate the textural contrast between the tender chicken, soft orzo, and occasional bites of vegetables that add freshness and color.

Best of all, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The harmonious balance of herbs, garlic, and cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting – comfort food elevated to its finest form.

Ingredients

For the Boursin Orzo with Chicken you’ll need:

• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 2 cups (400g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 3½ cups (830ml) chicken broth
• 1 package (5.2 oz/150g) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

The star ingredient is Boursin cheese – a soft, creamy French cheese infused with garlic and herbs that creates an instant flavor-packed sauce when melted into the hot orzo.

Pro Tips

Get the Perfect Sear on Chicken: For golden, juicy chicken pieces, don’t overcrowd your pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, allowing space between pieces. This ensures proper browning rather than steaming, which creates texture and flavor through the Maillard reaction. Season the chicken just before cooking for the best results.

Master the Orzo Cooking Technique: Unlike regular pasta, orzo benefits from a risotto-like approach. Toast the dry orzo in a bit of oil before adding liquid to develop a nutty flavor. Then add hot broth gradually, stirring occasionally. This creates a creamier texture and prevents the orzo from clumping or becoming mushy. For the Boursin Orzo with Chicken, the pasta should be al dente – tender but with a slight bite.

Temperature Control for Cheese Integration: The key to a silky-smooth Boursin Orzo with Chicken is adding the cheese at the right moment. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for 1-2 minutes before stirring in the Boursin. This prevents the cheese from separating and ensures it melts evenly into a luxurious sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of warm broth to reach your desired consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through (it will continue cooking later). Transfer to a plate and set aside. The chicken should be slightly undercooked at this stage to prevent it from becoming tough when returned to the dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. These aromatics build the flavor foundation for your Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

Step 3: Toast and Cook the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and stir to coat with oil. Toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until some pieces begin to turn golden. This develops a nutty flavor that adds depth to your dish. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base
When the orzo is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed (but it’s still slightly saucy), return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to combine and heat through for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly for 1-2 minutes. Add the Boursin cheese in chunks and gently stir until completely melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Elements
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and heavy cream (if using). The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly while keeping the tomatoes fresh. Stir in most of the Parmesan cheese, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Your Boursin Orzo with Chicken should be creamy but not soupy, with each grain of orzo coated in the velvety cheese sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Let the dish stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Divide the Boursin Orzo with Chicken among plates and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish. This final touch adds color, freshness, and a professional presentation to your creation.

Variations

Mediterranean Boursin Orzo with Chicken: Transform this dish with Mediterranean flair by adding ½ cup of pitted kalamata olives, ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), and 1 tablespoon of capers along with the fresh tomatoes. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh oregano. The briny elements perfectly complement the creamy Boursin cheese and add exciting flavor bursts to the herbed chicken pasta.

Vegetable-Forward Version: For a lighter, vegetable-rich variation, reduce the chicken to 3/4 pound and add 1 cup of diced zucchini and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables with the onions until tender. You can also substitute baby kale for spinach and add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. This creates a garden-fresh version of the Boursin Orzo with Chicken that’s perfect for spring and summer.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: For those avoiding dairy, create a surprisingly creamy Boursin-style orzo with chicken using dairy-free alternatives. Replace the Boursin with a mixture of 5 ounces of dairy-free cream cheese blended with 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs (parsley, chives, and thyme), 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Storage and Serving

Boursin Orzo with Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will absorb sauce during storage. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving on high power, which can cause the sauce to separate.

For serving, transform this versatile dish into a complete meal with simple accompaniments. Pair it with a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve the Boursin Orzo with Chicken in shallow bowls with a side of garlic-rubbed crostini perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Turn leftovers into a new meal by adding a splash of broth to create a hearty soup, or shape cold leftovers into patties, coat with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry for delicious orzo cakes. These creative repurposing ideas make this recipe even more practical for meal planning.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of Boursin cheese?
Absolutely! While the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety works best for Boursin Orzo with Chicken, you can experiment with other flavors like Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper for interesting variations. Each will lend a different flavor profile to your dish while maintaining the creamy texture.

What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?
If orzo isn’t available, substitute small pasta shapes like pearl couscous (Israeli couscous), small shells, or risoni. For a grain alternative, try well-rinsed quinoa or farro, adjusting cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, but prepare it slightly differently. Cook everything except adding the Boursin, tomatoes, and spinach. Refrigerate, then reheat with a splash of broth, stirring in the remaining ingredients just before serving for the freshest result.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular orzo with gluten-free orzo, which is available in many specialty stores. Alternatively, use gluten-free rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking times and liquid as needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster?
Definitely! For an ultra-quick version of Boursin Orzo with Chicken, skip the chicken cooking step and stir in about 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you would normally return the cooked chicken to the pan. This cuts the preparation time nearly in half.

Conclusion

This Boursin Orzo with Chicken is comfort food at its finest — creamy, herby, and satisfyingly elegant without being fussy. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions while requiring minimal effort from the cook. The marriage of tender chicken, creamy Boursin, and perfectly cooked orzo creates a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in one pot, making it as practical as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe promises to deliver both sophisticated flavor and the warm embrace of comfort food at its best.

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