Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled in a velvety, herb-infused sauce coating every bite of perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The aromatic herbs from the Boursin cheese melt into a luscious sauce that clings to each grain of orzo, while juicy chicken adds satisfying protein to this comforting dish. You’ll learn how to create this elegant yet simple dinner that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the tender orzo pasta and succulent pieces of chicken creates a satisfying textural experience in every forkful. The Boursin cheese melts effortlessly into the dish, creating a silky, herb-infused sauce without requiring any complicated techniques or specialty ingredients.

What makes this dish truly special is how it manages to feel both sophisticated and comforting simultaneously. The creamy orzo base provides a familiar, cozy foundation, while the Boursin cheese elevates it with complex herbal notes that make it dinner party-worthy. Plus, everything comes together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor as the orzo absorbs the savory chicken broth and releases its starches to create that irresistibly creamy consistency.

Despite its elegant flavor profile, this hearty chicken pasta dish requires minimal prep time and basic ingredients, making it accessible even on busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without hours of cooking.

Ingredients

For this Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup/160g), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon/9g), minced
• 2 cups (400g) uncooked orzo pasta
• 3½ cups (830ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 package (5.2oz/150g) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (30g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

The star ingredient is the Boursin cheese, which adds a sophisticated herb flavor and incredible creaminess without requiring multiple spices or ingredients. Fresh garlic and onion create an aromatic base, while the orzo’s small size allows it to cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips

For the most delicious Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken, follow these professional cooking techniques:

First, don’t skip browning the chicken properly. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. This crucial step creates a flavorful foundation and ensures juicy chicken with a slightly caramelized exterior that adds depth to the entire dish.

Second, toast the dry orzo pasta for 1-2 minutes before adding the broth. This quick step develops a nutty flavor profile and helps the pasta maintain its structure even as it becomes creamy. Watch carefully and stir constantly during this process to prevent burning while achieving that golden color.

Finally, add the Boursin cheese in small pieces rather than all at once, stirring gently after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures the cheese melts evenly throughout the dish, creating a silky-smooth sauce without clumping. If your sauce seems too thick, add chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides but not necessarily cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Aromatic Base

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden in spots. This step adds a wonderful nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Cook Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes. The orzo will begin absorbing the flavorful broth.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan

Return the partially cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Stir to combine with the orzo mixture, cover again, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add the Boursin cheese in small chunks, stirring gently after each addition until completely melted. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes silky and cohesive.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Fold in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt into the hot mixture for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Variations

Transform your Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken with these delicious alternatives:

Mediterranean Version: Replace the spinach with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and ½ cup pitted kalamata olives. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the chicken seasoning and garnish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a sun-soaked Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy orzo base.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or baby bella work wonderfully) and increase the spinach to 2 cups for a hearty, meat-free version that still delivers satisfying richness. The mushrooms provide a wonderful earthy complement to the herbed Boursin cheese.

Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking (rather than at the beginning) to prevent overcooking. Finish with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill for a bright, coastal-inspired variation of this creamy herb pasta.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy consistency. This dish tends to thicken considerably when chilled, so additional liquid helps maintain its luxurious texture.

For an elegant presentation, serve this creamy chicken pasta in shallow bowls with a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and an additional sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus or broccolini that’s been simply prepared with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The slight bitterness of these green vegetables provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, herb-infused pasta. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy flavor profile beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of Boursin cheese? Yes! While the garlic and herb variety is classic for this Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken, you can experiment with other flavors like Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper for different flavor profiles. Each variety will lend its unique character to the dish.

What if I can’t find Boursin cheese? If Boursin is unavailable, substitute 4 ounces of cream cheese mixed with 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, plus ½ teaspoon garlic powder. While not identical, this creates a similarly creamy, herb-infused base.

Can I substitute another pasta for orzo? Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well. Cooking times may vary slightly, so taste for doneness. Note that larger pastas won’t provide the same creamy texture that makes this dish special.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly? This dish is best enjoyed fresh as the orzo and cream sauce can change texture when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze it, reheat gently with additional cream to restore creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the components ahead, but final assembly is best done just before serving. If needed, undercook the orzo slightly, then finish with the Boursin and cream when reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is comfort food at its finest — creamy, herbaceous, and utterly satisfying with each tender bite of orzo and chicken. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing a touch of elegance to your table without hours of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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