Description
Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, velvety orzo, and rich garlic & herb Boursin cheese. A quick, comforting, and easy dinner in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Orzo pasta
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb flavor recommended)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil or butter
- Spinach or other leafy greens (optional)
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken – Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo – In the same pan, add the orzo pasta and lightly toast it for a minute or two, stirring frequently.
- Simmer with Broth – Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and absorbs most of the liquid.
- Add the Cream and Cheese – Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Combine the Chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Optional Add-Ins – Stir in spinach or mushrooms if using, allowing them to soften in the sauce.
- Final Touches – Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a meatless version.
- Different Protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even cooked sausage.
- Lighter Version – Use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for reduced-fat Boursin.
- Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Boursin orzo, creamy chicken orzo, one-pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, garlic herb orzo