Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe

Introduction

This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, flavorful Boursin cheese, and fresh vegetables, it offers a delicious and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1 minute to develop a nutty flavor.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes, then place the Boursin cheese in the center of the pan.
4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken to the skillet and gently mix the ingredients together. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese if using. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
6. Step 6: Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Swap the zucchini and tomatoes with other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli depending on what you have on hand.
• For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken.
• Add a splash of cream when stirring in the spinach to make the dish extra rich and creamy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if it needs loosening.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like couscous, Israeli couscous, or small shells can be substituted; just adjust the cooking time if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas for heartiness.

Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, creamy Boursin garlic & herb cheese, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfectly baked to create a creamy, cheesy orzo base loaded with juicy chicken and vibrant veggies, this recipe offers an easy yet gourmet meal for weeknights.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Cheeses

• 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Grains & Broth

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Pantry Items

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the dish.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and toast it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it for an additional minute to bring out its nutty flavor.
4. Add Broth and Veggies: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes to combine everything evenly.
5. Add Boursin Cheese and Return Chicken: Nestle the Boursin garlic & herb cheese package in the center of the skillet. Return the browned chicken pieces to the dish and gently mix slightly to incorporate, then cover the skillet with foil.
6. Bake Covered: Place the covered skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the orzo to cook through and the flavors to meld.
7. Add Spinach and Parmesan: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and optional grated Parmesan cheese. Return the skillet to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the dish is creamy and the orzo is tender.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Swap out the vegetables as you like—mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli are great alternatives.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
• For extra richness, add a splash of cream when stirring in the spinach.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use a baking dish and use a stovetop pan for the initial steps.

Keywords: Boursin, Orzo, Chicken, Baked Orzo, Creamy Orzo, One Pan Dinner, Garlic Herb Cheese, Vegetables, Comfort Food