If you’re searching for a creamy, comforting dinner that’s effortlessly impressive, Boursin Orzo with Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Tender, beautifully seasoned chicken snuggles up with silky orzo pasta, all bathed in a dreamy Boursin cheese sauce bursting with garlic and fine herbs. Each flavor-packed bite feels like a little celebration, and the whole dish comes together in just one skillet! It’s cozy, it’s elegant, and it always gets rave reviews whenever I make it.

Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Boursin Orzo with Chicken is chosen for maximum flavor and a perfect balance of creaminess, bite, and a little herby punch. You’ll be amazed at how these accessible staples transform into something that tastes worthy of a special occasion.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop that irresistible golden crust.
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are juicy and mild, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Garlic powder: Lends a subtle, savory depth to the chicken—use fresh if you want extra garlicky punch!
Paprika: Gives both color and a mild smoky warmth to the chicken’s seasoning.
Salt: Brings all the flavors into sharp focus; be sure to season to your own taste.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend for the chicken.
Orzo pasta: Cooks up lusciously creamy and is the perfect shape to carry the rich sauce in every forkful.
Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory, layered flavor as it cooks (low-sodium works great if preferred).
Heavy cream: Delivers pure silkiness to the sauce and makes it extra decadent.
Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): This is the magic ingredient—its creamy, herbaceous tang transforms the whole dish.
Fresh spinach: Chopped spinach wilts right into the sauce, adding both color and a sneaky dose of veggies.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkled on just before serving, it adds salty, umami depth and a lovely finish.
Fresh parsley (optional): A final shower of chopped herbs brightens everything up beautifully.

How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While that’s warming, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The oil should shimmer before you nestle the chicken in. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until you see a gorgeous golden crust and the inside is cooked through—juicy, not dry! Once the chicken is done, set it aside on a plate and keep it cozy with a loose tent of foil.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those flavorful brown bits!), add the orzo pasta. Stir it gently for 1-2 minutes until you see faintly toasted edges and it smells a bit nutty. This step makes the orzo extra flavorful and helps the sauce cling to every morsel.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat if needed to prevent boiling over. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then to keep the orzo from sticking. You’ll end up with tender orzo, perfectly plumped from absorbing all the savory broth.

Step 4: Make It Creamy with Boursin

Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and the Boursin cheese. Keep stirring as the cheese melts, creating a luscious, creamy sauce that’s flecked throughout with herbs. This is where Boursin Orzo with Chicken gets its signature flavor—rich, savory, and oh-so-decadent!

Step 5: Add Spinach and Finish

Toss in the chopped spinach and let it wilt right into the creamy orzo for 1-2 minutes. It’ll add lovely flecks of green and a slight earthiness that keeps the dish balanced. Next, gently return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce to warm through and soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and, if you like, shower the top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. The Parmesan melts ever so slightly on the hot pasta, while the parsley adds a burst of color and fragrance. Now your Boursin Orzo with Chicken is ready to shine!

How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Garnishes

I love finishing Boursin Orzo with Chicken with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. The parsley livens everything up, contrasting the rich creaminess, while the Parmesan gives a final hit of salty flavor. Don’t be shy with the garnishes—the more, the merrier for both taste and presentation!

Side Dishes

Since Boursin Orzo with Chicken is creamy and filling, I usually keep sides light and vibrant. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or some simply roasted asparagus makes a perfect pair. Crusty bread is always a winner, too, to help swipe up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve individual portions in shallow bowls and top each with extra herbs and cheese. Entertaining? Pile the orzo high on a platter, slice the chicken, and fan it over the top for a gorgeous family-style presentation. You can even garnish with edible flowers for a spring celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Boursin Orzo with Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or next-day dinner.

Freezing

While most creamy pastas don’t freeze perfectly, you can freeze Boursin Orzo with Chicken if needed. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silkiness, and warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. The microwave works as well—cover your serving, heat gently, and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous can work in place of orzo. Just keep an eye on cooking times and broth amounts, since they may vary slightly.

What if I can’t find Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin cheese?

If your market is out, substitute any soft herbed cheese spread, or mix cream cheese with a little garlic and your favorite fresh herbs. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

How can I make Boursin Orzo with Chicken vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. It’s every bit as creamy and satisfying, just minus the poultry.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream makes the sauce extra lush, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter touch. Just know that lower-fat alternatives won’t be quite as silky, but the dish will still taste fantastic.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Boursin Orzo with Chicken doubles beautifully—just use a bigger skillet and give yourself a few extra minutes to bring everything up to temperature evenly.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted Boursin Orzo with Chicken, you’ll wonder how dinner ever felt special without it. It’s simple enough for weeknights, gorgeous enough for guests, and so utterly, lusciously comforting. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation!