Ingredients for Boursin Orzo with Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing chicken and aromatics, building the flavor foundation. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star protein for this Boursin Orzo with Chicken. Cube for even cooking and tender bites.
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a crucial aromatic base for depth of flavor. Sauté until translucent for sweetness.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: The tender pasta base that absorbs all the creamy, dreamy flavors. Don’t overcook or it becomes mushy.
• 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium: The liquid foundation for cooking orzo and creating a rich sauce. Low sodium allows better salt control.
• 5.2 oz (1 package) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, softened: The essential ingredient for unparalleled creaminess and herby flavor. Soften for easy incorporation.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick to the sauce. Don’t burn the garlic for best flavor.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Provides bursts of fresh, sweet acidity to balance the richness. Adds beautiful color too.
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Wilts into the dish, adding vibrant color and a healthy boost. Stir in at the very end.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances the luxurious, creamy texture of the Boursin Orzo. A little goes a long way.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors, cutting through richness with a zesty finish. Freshly squeezed is always best.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A Mediterranean-inspired herb that complements chicken and cheese beautifully. Rub between palms to release aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of this creamy Boursin Orzo. Adjust based on broth and Boursin salinity.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Adds a subtle warmth and a gentle bite. Freshly ground offers superior flavor and aroma.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds extra savory depth and a salty, nutty finish. Use freshly grated for best melt.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color. Stir in just before serving.

How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This builds the base flavor for your Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

Add Orzo:

Now, add minced garlic and dried oregano to the skillet, cooking for one minute until fragrant. Stir in the orzo pasta, toasting it lightly for 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers the orzo evenly and begins to simmer.

Melt Boursin:

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the Boursin cheese melts completely and emulsifies into a smooth, creamy sauce. This creates the signature texture for your Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

Simmer Orzo:

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Wilt Spinach:

Continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ensure the flavors are balanced and bright.

Final Touches:

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Give everything a good gentle mix to combine all the delicious ingredients into this creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken. It’s almost ready!

Serve Fresh:

Ladle your delightful Boursin Orzo with Chicken into bowls immediately. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley or Parmesan, if desired, for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this comforting, easy weeknight meal that everyone will love!

How to Store Boursin Orzo with Chicken

To store leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days to keep it fresh. Don’t do what I did and leave it on the counter overnight; it will spoil! Discard if any off-smells or sliminess appear.

For make-ahead, chop chicken and onion a day in advance, storing separately. For best creaminess, cook the orzo and Boursin sauce fresh just before serving. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain its creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Serve your Creamy Dreamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken warm, straight from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with extra fresh parsley and grated Parmesan—it’s perfect for any occasion. This rich dish truly shines when paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy this comforting meal!

My favorite way to serve this is fresh from the skillet, allowing everyone to enjoy its maximum creaminess and warmth. It’s truly the best way to experience that comforting, dreamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Boursin cheese in this Creamy Dreamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken?

While Boursin is key, you can substitute with cream cheese and herbs for a similar creamy texture. It won’t have the exact flavor profile, but it works. Just ensure it’s softened for a smooth sauce, or it might get lumpy.

→ How do I prevent the orzo from becoming a mushy, gluey mess?

Always simmer the orzo gently, never at a rolling boil, and stir occasionally. Overcooking or too much agitation makes it starchy and gluey. Keep the heat low and cook just until tender.

→ Can I make this Creamy Dreamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply use gluten-free orzo pasta in place of regular orzo. The cooking time might vary slightly, so check for tenderness as it simmers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

→ How long do I store leftover Creamy Dreamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I learned the hard way that leaving it on the counter overnight will spoil it. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth.

→ Can I freeze this creamy chicken and orzo dish for later?

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish because the creamy sauce can separate and the orzo can become mushy upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for a few days.