Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, creamy Boursin cheese, and wholesome vegetables baked together with orzo pasta. It’s easy to make and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, featuring fresh herbs and a smooth, cheesy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Pantry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking once the skillet is prepared.
- Cook the 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 thoroughly. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and toast orzo: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add uncooked orzo and continue to toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add broth, vegetables, and cheese: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the entire package of Boursin cheese in the center of the mixture.
- Return chicken and bake covered: Place the browned chicken back into the skillet and gently mix to combine slightly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Add spinach and cheese, then bake uncovered: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the mixture is creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot for a deliciously creamy and savory meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference for lean or slightly fattier meat.
- If Parmesan cheese is not available or desired, it can be omitted without significantly compromising flavor.
- For a vegetarian variation, replace chicken with mushrooms or hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To enhance the garlic flavor, add an extra clove of minced garlic if desired.
Keywords: Boursin, orzo bake, chicken recipe, creamy orzo, baked pasta, one-pot meal, chicken and vegetables, easy dinner
