Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, comforting, one-pot dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. It combines the velvety texture of Boursin cheese with tender orzo, juicy chicken, and wilted spinach for a dish that’s reminiscent of risotto—only much easier and quicker to make. Rich, flavorful, and family-friendly, this is a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Less mess and easy cleanup

• Ready in 30 minutes: Ideal for weeknight dinners

• Creamy and rich: Boursin cheese creates a luxurious texture without extra effort

• Customizable: Add veggies or use rotisserie chicken for shortcuts

• Comfort food made easy: All the warmth and satisfaction of risotto with a fraction of the work

• Crowd-pleasing: Delicious for both adults and kids

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• olive oil

• butter

• onion, chopped

• garlic, minced

• orzo pasta

• chicken or vegetable broth

• Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor works best)

• fresh baby spinach

• cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

• salt and pepper, to taste

• fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, butter, and chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Toast the Orzo
   Stir in the garlic and orzo. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the orzo and enhance the flavor.

3. Cook the Pasta
   Pour in the chicken broth. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it gently simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too quickly before the orzo is tender, add a splash more broth.

4. Add the Boursin
   Once the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the softened Boursin cheese until smooth and creamy.

5. Finish the Dish
   Remove the pot from the heat. Add in the fresh spinach and cooked chicken. Cover the pot with a lid and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the chicken to warm through.

6. Season and Serve
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Try different Boursin flavors: Garlic & Herbs is classic, but Shallot & Chive or Basil & Chive are delicious too.

• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami.

• Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken or replace with chickpeas.

• Add lemon zest: Stir in a little lemon zest at the end for a fresh finish.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I freeze Boursin orzo?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cheese-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

What’s the best Boursin flavor to use?

Garlic & Fine Herbs is the most popular and works great in this recipe.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

Small pasta shapes like pearl couscous or ditalini can work, but orzo gives the best risotto-like texture.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free orzo substitute. Ensure the Boursin and broth are certified gluten-free.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Turkey, shrimp, or plant-based chicken substitutes all work well.

Does this dish taste like risotto?

It has a creamy, comforting feel like risotto but cooks faster and is less labor-intensive.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Boursin is dairy-based, but there are plant-based alternatives available you can try with similar results.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve it as a stand-alone main dish or pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a creamy, comforting, and easy one-pot meal that delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for the family or whipping up a cozy dinner for two, this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite. Rich, cheesy, and packed with spinach and chicken, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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