Creamy Boursin Orzo Chicken

This creamy one-pan Boursin orzo with chicken combines tender chicken breasts, toasted orzo pasta, and luxurious herb-infused Boursin cheese for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. The combination of rich cream, savory broth, and melty cheese creates an indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.

I first created this dish when my sister came over for an impromptu dinner party, and it's become our go-to "fancy but easy" meal ever since. The way the Boursin cheese melts into a velvety sauce never fails to impress guests, though I make it just as often for myself on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Olive oil creates a beautiful sear on the chicken while adding richness
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein that stays tender and juicy
• Garlic powder infuses the chicken with savory depth without the risk of burning
• Paprika adds a subtle smoky note and gorgeous color to the finished dish
• Salt enhances all the flavors look for kosher salt for the best flavor control
• Black pepper brings necessary warmth and complexity to the seasoning blend
• Orzo pasta resembles rice but cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully
• Chicken broth forms the flavorful base for cooking the orzo choose low sodium if possible
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture that makes this dish special
• Boursin cheese Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor melts perfectly into a creamy herbed sauce
• Fresh spinach adds color nutrients and a slight earthiness that balances the richness
• Parmesan cheese optional adds a salty umami finish that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh parsley optional brightens the rich flavors and adds visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet without crowding and let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms. Flip once and cook another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should release easily when it's properly seared. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet with all those flavorful browned bits from the chicken, add the orzo pasta. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the orzo turns lightly golden in spots and smells nutty. This quick toasting step creates tremendous depth of flavor in the finished dish by caramelizing the natural starches in the pasta.

Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The pasta should still have a slight bite to it and be swimming in a small amount of thickened broth.

Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to low to prevent scorching, then add the heavy cream and crumble in the entire package of Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and creates a silky sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Take your time here to ensure a smooth texture without lumps.

Finish the Dish

Add the chopped fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the creamy mixture, about 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will perfectly cook the greens without making them mushy. Slice the reserved chicken breasts into medallions and nestle them back into the pan to rewarm. Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if using.

Save This

The Boursin cheese is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its magic when I ran out of cream cheese one night and substituted this herbed French cheese instead. My husband declared it was the best pasta I'd ever made, and now I keep a wheel in my refrigerator at all times. Its herbs and creamy texture create an instant sauce that tastes like something that took hours to develop.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish keeps remarkably well, making it perfect for planned leftovers. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so the extra liquid helps restore its creamy consistency. I actually think the flavors improve after a day in the refrigerator as the herbs from the Boursin have more time to infuse the entire dish.

Perfect Pairings

This rich, creamy dish pairs beautifully with acidic sides that can cut through the richness. Try serving with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a bright tomato and cucumber salad. For wine pairings, reach for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay with enough acidity to complement the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate herb flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

While the recipe is perfect as written, its versatility allows for countless variations. For protein, try using sautéed shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The orzo can be replaced with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even arborio rice for a risotto-like texture. If Boursin is unavailable, combine cream cheese with a teaspoon each of dried herbs like thyme, chives, and parsley. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables according to what's fresh — peas in spring, cherry tomatoes in summer, or roasted butternut squash in fall.

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute the Boursin cheese with something else?

Yes, if Boursin isn't available, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese and your favorite herbs (thyme, chives, garlic). Goat cheese with herbs also works well as an alternative with a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the orzo and cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month and reheat gently with an additional splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for heartiness, or include protein-rich options like sautéed tofu or white beans.

→ What can I serve as a side dish with this?

This Boursin orzo with chicken is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a lighter option, serve with steamed asparagus or a lemon-dressed arugula salad to balance the richness of the dish.

→ Can I use whole wheat orzo?

Yes, whole wheat orzo works well as a more nutritious alternative. Note that it may require slightly more liquid and cooking time than regular orzo. Adjust by adding an extra 1/4 cup of broth and testing the orzo for doneness before proceeding with the remaining steps.

→ How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?

To prevent the orzo from sticking, be sure to toast it in the pan before adding liquid, which helps develop flavor and creates a protective coating. Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks, and add a touch more broth if it seems to be absorbing liquid too quickly.