Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a creamy and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender diced chicken is browned and combined with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and rich Boursin garlic & herb cheese, then baked to a comforting, cheesy finish. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish offers a bold, creamy dinner in just a few easy steps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Orzo and Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo bake.
- 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.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Add Broth and Vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the Boursin garlic & herb cheese in the center of the pan, letting it start to melt into the simmering broth.
- Return Chicken and Bake Covered. Return the browned chicken to the pan and gently mix to combine the ingredients slightly. Cover the skillet or dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven to bake for 20 minutes, allowing the orzo to cook and absorb flavors.
- Add Spinach and Cheese, Bake Uncovered. Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese if using. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the dish is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve the dish hot for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use chicken breast for leaner protein.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms based on your preference.
- Use a well-seasoned oven-safe skillet or a baking dish to simplify cooking and baking steps.
- Ensure the orzo is fully cooked before serving to avoid a crunchy texture.
Keywords: Boursin, Orzo, Chicken, Baked Orzo, Creamy Orzo, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Dinner, Garlic and Herb Cheese, Chicken Dinner, Healthy Dinner
