Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe

Introduction

This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and the rich flavor of garlic and herb Boursin cheese, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

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).
2. Step 2: 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. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast for an additional minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the Boursin cheese in the center of the pan.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the dish and gently mix to combine slightly. Cover the skillet or dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese if using. Bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the dish is creamy.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or chicken breast for a leaner dish.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and color.
• Substitute vegetable broth to make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using a plant-based protein or extra veggies.
• If you prefer a cheesier topping, sprinkle extra Parmesan before the last bake.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain creaminess.

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 acini di pepe or small shells work well, but adjust cooking time accordingly since different pasta shapes may require more or less time to become tender.

Is Boursin cheese necessary for this recipe?

While Boursin cheese provides a unique creamy garlic and herb flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs if needed, though the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 146 reviews

This creamy Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and garlicky Boursin cheese. The orzo simmers in flavorful chicken broth until perfectly tender, then is baked to creamy perfection with spinach and Parmesan. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it makes a delicious dinner for any night of the week.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Cheese

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Vegetables

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

Grains and Liquids

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

Seasoning and Fats

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo and chicken mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Toast the Garlic and Orzo: In the same pan, add minced garlic and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for an additional minute to enhance its flavor.
4. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Place the Boursin cheese in the center of the mixture.
5. Combine and Bake Covered: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix slightly to combine. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the orzo to cook and absorb the flavors.
6. Add Spinach and Parmesan, Then Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, if using. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and creamy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs or breast depending on your preference.
• Adding the Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and creaminess.
• If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs can be used, but fresh is recommended for garnish.
• The dish can be prepared ahead up to step 5 and refrigerated before baking.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the Boursin with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit the Parmesan.

Keywords: Boursin orzo bake, chicken and veggies, creamy orzo casserole, one-pan dinner, easy baked chicken recipe, garlic herb cheese recipe