Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
If you’re forever hunting for that one dreamy, saucy skillet dinner you can whip up in under thirty minutes, Boursin Orzo with Chicken will absolutely steal your heart (and maybe your weeknight rotation). Juicy chicken, silky orzo, and that legendary garlicky Boursin cheese all mingle in a single pan for pure creamy comfort. An optional shower of parmesan and bright greens keep every bite fresh—this is the kind of dish that somehow tastes luxurious, cozy, and just a little bit special, no matter how busy your night is.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Boursin Orzo with Chicken is refreshingly short and packed with essentials that each bring undeniable character—think juicy chicken, heady garlic, and that unforgettable Boursin cheese. Every element here has a purpose, working in harmony for a creamy, craveable one-pan meal.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean and satisfying, and cutting it into bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful is perfectly balanced.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely, subtle fruitiness for browning the chicken and helping all those savory flavors bloom.
- Garlic powder: Classic savory depth; it melts into the chicken for that familiar, irresistible aroma.
- Salt: Just enough to bring out the flavors in every single component.
- Black pepper: For that hint of warmth that ties the creamy richness together.
- Orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the broth and cheese, becoming velvety-smooth and impossibly comforting.
- Chicken broth: Delivers a savory backbone and makes every bite deeper and richer.
- Milk: Smooths the sauce, bringing extra creaminess without heaviness.
- Boursin garlic and herb cheese: The superstar! Melts into a plush, garlicky sauce that absolutely makes this dish sing.
- Baby spinach (optional): Gently wilts for a pop of color and nutrition, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds extra umami depth when sprinkled on top, plus a savory, salty finish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A classic finish that adds a clean, herbal brightness.
How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—just until it shimmers. While that’s warming, toss your chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper right on the cutting board. The moment your oil’s ready, add the chicken and let it cook, stirring every so often, until the pieces are golden on the outside and cooked through. This should take about five to six minutes. Try not to rush this part: those browned bits in the pan build incredible flavor later!
Step 2: Toast the Orzo
Once your chicken is perfectly golden, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside for now. In that same sizzling skillet (no need to wash it—keep those tasty bits), add your dry orzo. Toasting orzo for a minute or two, while stirring, brings out a subtle nuttiness that’s downright essential for the deepest flavor. It’s a small step, but it really pays off!
Step 3: Simmer With Broth and Milk
With the orzo smelling slightly toasted, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Pop a lid on the skillet and let the orzo cook, undisturbed except for the occasional stir, for eight to ten minutes. Watch as the orzo transforms, soaking up all that liquid and becoming tender and plump, with just a hint left unabsorbed.
Step 4: Melt in the Boursin Cheese
Now comes the magic part of any Boursin Orzo with Chicken adventure. Add the entire package of Boursin garlic and herb cheese right into the skillet. Stir it in, watching as it melts and swirls into a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to each piece of orzo. This is what puts this dish over the top in terms of both flavor and texture—rich, luscious, and full of herbaceous goodness.
Step 5: Finish With Chicken and Greens
Return your cooked chicken (and its savory juices) back into the orzo mixture. If you’d like, fold in a generous handful of baby spinach at this point. The residual heat will gently wilt the leaves, giving you a burst of green freshness. Let everything mingle for a minute or two, ensuring the chicken is hot and the greens are just wilted.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the entire dish with shredded parmesan before serving. Finish with a flurry of fresh parsley—that pop of green not only looks gorgeous but also brightens each bite. Serve your Boursin Orzo with Chicken warm and creamy, straight from the pan.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a dusting of grated parmesan work wonders, turning your Boursin Orzo with Chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal. Try a quick crack of black pepper or even lemon zest if you love an extra burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich, so offset the creaminess with crisp side salads: arugula tossed with lemon, or shaved fennel with orange segments. Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or blistered cherry tomatoes would all play delicious supporting roles as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken in big, shallow bowls for ultimate cozy vibes. For an elegant twist, pile it into ramekins and broil for a minute to brown the top, or use it as a creamy bed under roasted vegetables or seared shrimp for a wow-worthy dinner party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The orzo will absorb more sauce as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it thickens up a bit overnight.
Freezing
Creamy pasta dishes like this one don’t always freeze perfectly, but you can freeze Boursin Orzo with Chicken for up to two months if needed. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge and expect the sauce to be a tiny bit less creamy after reheating.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to “loosen” the sauce. Individual portions also reheat well in the microwave—just be sure to stir halfway through and add a touch more liquid if needed for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Yes! While orzo is classic for soaking up the flavorful sauce, you can swap in small pasta shapes like ditalini, mini shells, or even Israeli couscous. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is fully tender.
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
No worries at all. You can use regular cream cheese blended with minced garlic and finely chopped herbs (like chives and parsley) as a solid stand-in. The flavor won’t be identical, but your Boursin Orzo with Chicken will still come out rich and creamy.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to stir in peas, roasted mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli along with the spinach or in place of it. You can add these toward the end of cooking so they keep some bite and vibrancy.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely: Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and swap the Boursin cheese for vegan garlic-herb cream cheese. Finish with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a similar savory hit.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Prepare the recipe as written, cool it, then portion into meal prep containers. The orzo will thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back that signature creaminess.
Final Thoughts
If you crave fast comfort food with a fresh, crowd-pleasing twist, you’ll want to make Boursin Orzo with Chicken again and again. It’s one of those dependable recipes you can truly call your own—easy to personalize, quick to clean up, and guaranteed to make any weeknight just a bit more special. Give it a try, and be prepared for rave reviews at your table!
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Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Boursin Orzo with Chicken is a delightful one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken and a luxurious garlic and herb cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Orzo:
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, season chicken, and cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo: In the same skillet, toast orzo, then add chicken broth and milk. Simmer until tender. Stir in Boursin cheese until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked chicken back to the pan, stir in spinach, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Boursin with cream cheese and fresh herbs if needed.
- This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of milk when reheating.
- For extra veggies, add peas or roasted mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg