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Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dinners that has quickly become a staple in my kitchen: the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly balances creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese with tender chicken and delicate orzo pasta, all brightened up by fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s straightforward to make, comforting to eat, and bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe will win hearts and satisfied stomachs alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating its vibrant taste and satisfying texture. These simple yet carefully selected pantry staples blend effortlessly to deliver a dish that feels both special and approachable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender meat that soaks up all the flavors.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny and rice-shaped, it provides a lovely base that carries the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Boursin cheese (garlic & herbs): This is the star, adding a rich, aromatic creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: It cooks the orzo and infuses subtle savory depth into the whole dish.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of green color and a mild, pleasant earthiness to balance the creaminess.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity that brighten the flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed to create a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and a little finishing drizzle, it contributes heart-healthy fats and richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. This searing step locks in juices and creates a lovely crust that adds texture and flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the orzo.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, without cleaning it out, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute until fragrant. This step is crucial because the garlic-infused oil will flavor the orzo perfectly and form the foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to the package instructions, approximately 8 minutes, until al dente. Cooking the orzo in broth instead of water ensures every grain is imbued with savory goodness, elevating the dish’s richness.
Step 4: Add Fresh Vegetables
During the final minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. The spinach will wilt gently while the tomatoes soften just enough to release a bit of their sweetness. This step injects vibrant color and fresh flavor to balance the creamy elements.
Step 5: Stir in the Boursin Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the Boursin cheese. Stir it thoroughly into the orzo mixture until melted and luscious. The cheese’s garlic and herb notes perfectly marry with the broth, garlic, and veggies to create a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of orzo.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them atop the creamy orzo. If you like, finish with a little extra drizzle of olive oil for an added silkiness and shine. This final presentation step makes the dish feel elevated yet comforting and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a lovely finishing touch. These simple garnishes add freshness and a pop of color that makes each serving irresistible.
Side Dishes
This meal is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with a crisp side salad or some crusty garlic bread. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the creamy orzo, while bread is perfect to mop up any leftover sauce. Together, they create a satisfying and balanced dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the orzo in individual bowls topped with fan-sliced chicken breasts, colorful cherry tomatoes, and a swirl of olive oil. You can also serve it family-style in a deep platter, letting guests help themselves to generous portions of the creamy orzo and tender chicken. This flexibility makes the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight, but the spinach may lose some of its vibrancy. Simply stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is possible though not ideal for the fresh spinach and tomatoes, which may become watery upon thawing. If you do freeze, store the orzo and chicken without the fresh veggies and add those fresh when reheating. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the dish feels dry, then warm through until just heated. Avoid overcooking as the chicken can become tough and the creamy sauce might separate if overheated.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin gives this recipe its signature creamy and herby flavor, you can substitute it with a cream cheese mixed with garlic and fresh herbs or a soft goat cheese with herbs. Just expect a slight change in texture and taste but still delicious!
Is orzo pasta gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free alternative, look for orzo-style rice pasta or small gluten-free pasta shapes to keep this recipe friendly to your dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Cooking the orzo in vegetable broth and using the same Boursin cheese will keep the dish creamy and flavorful.
What’s the best way to cook chicken breasts so they don’t dry out?
Searing the chicken in olive oil over medium heat and not overcooking it is key. Also, letting the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
You can pre-chop the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and wash the spinach a day ahead to save time. Cooking the chicken and orzo fresh ensures optimal texture and flavor, but the prep work will speed up your cooking process.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe is one of those meals you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s simple yet impressive, comforting yet fresh, and full of vibrant flavors that your whole family will adore. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite as much as I do!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Description
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then served over a bed of garlicky orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Finished with rich, herbaceous Boursin cheese, this dish combines comforting textures and vibrant flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Veggies
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herbs flavor recommended)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8 minutes, until al dente.
- Add Greens and Tomatoes: During the last minute of orzo cooking, add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Allow the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to slightly soften.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts fully and creates a creamy sauce coating the orzo and vegetables.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the creamy orzo mixture. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use garlic & herbs flavored Boursin for the best flavor; plain Boursin can be used but may alter the taste.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo to maintain a slightly firm texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
