Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is browned and combined with orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and rich garlic & herb Boursin cheese, baked to perfection for a delightful meal. The recipe is customizable with your favorite veggies and topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the 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 from the pan and set aside.
- Toast Garlic and Orzo: In the same pan, 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 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
- Add Broth and Veggies: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Nestle the Boursin garlic & herb cheese in the center of the pan without stirring yet.
- Combine Chicken and Bake Covered: Return the browned chicken to the dish and gently mix the ingredients slightly to combine. Cover the pan with foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the orzo to cook and ingredients to meld.
- Finish Baking with Spinach and Parmesan: Remove the foil, stir in the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for another 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 hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Swap veggies based on what you have—mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli work great.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut to save cooking time.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream when stirring in the spinach.