Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken and Spinach Recipe
Creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken and Spinach is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and served over creamy orzo pasta. The dish is elevated by a smooth sauce made from Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese and heavy cream, complemented by fresh spinach and garnished with Parmesan and parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. It’s an easy one-skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 wheel (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: Using the same skillet, add the orzo and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it and develop flavor.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until orzo is tender with most broth absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and the entire wheel of Boursin cheese. Mix until cheese melts fully into a smooth sauce.
- Add Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Combine with Chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon the creamy orzo over the chicken, and warm together over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the dish before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
- Stir the orzo occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking to the skillet.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels for a healthier dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, warm gently in a pan with a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: Creamy Orzo, Boursin Cheese, Chicken Breast Recipe, Spinach Dinner, One Skillet Meals, Italian Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Dinner
