Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe

Introduction

This Boursin Orzo Bake is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Boursin cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something easy yet impressive. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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: 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 browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add minced garlic and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the package of Boursin cheese in the center of the pan.
5. Step 5: Return the browned chicken to the dish and gently mix slightly to combine. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese if using, then 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 before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute broccoli or asparagus for zucchini for a different vegetable twist.
• Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian (skip chicken and add mushrooms or tofu).
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or milk before baking.
• Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or a soft goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish in advance and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add the spinach at the end of cooking to keep it fresh.

Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

A creamy, comforting Boursin Orzo Bake featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich Boursin garlic & herb cheese all baked together for an easy, flavorful one-pan meal.

• Author: Grace
• 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 1x2x3x

Protein

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

Vegetables & Cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Dry & Pantry

• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo and chicken dish.
2. Brown 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. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Toast Garlic and Orzo: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it for 1 minute to bring out its nutty flavor.
4. Simmer Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the Boursin garlic & herb cheese in the center of the pan.
5. Add Chicken and Bake Covered: Return the browned chicken to the skillet and gently mix slightly to combine ingredients. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese if using. Continue to bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the dish is creamy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Boursin Orzo Bake!

Notes

• Use either chicken breasts or thighs based on preference for juiciness and flavor.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
• The dish hydrates the orzo during baking, so no pre-cooking the pasta is needed.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly go from stovetop to oven.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish with fresh flavor at the end.

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