Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, combined with orzo pasta cooked in savory chicken broth and blended with rich Boursin cheese and fresh spinach. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers a creamy texture with a delicious blend of herbs and garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Pasta 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet with the pan drippings, add the orzo pasta. Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Simmer Orzo in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cream and Boursin Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the Boursin cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, incorporating its fresh flavor into the creamy sauce.
- Reheat Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Warm everything together for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
