Looking for something new to break up the routine of your weekly dinners? This Boursin Orzo with Chicken has savory flavors, a creamy sauce, and a pop of color that is perfect for dinner.

What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese is a soft ready-to-eat creamy cheese similar to cream cheese. It originated in the North of France in the 1960s. There are all sorts of yummy varieties of Boursin cheese. There is "Garlic and Fine Herbs", "Shallot and Chive", "Cracked Black Pepper", the list goes on and on.
Their slogan is "Some bread, some Boursin, we're good." I think you'll find after this recipe it could be, "Some meatballs, some Boursin, we're great."
Boursin Orzo with Chicken
This creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken is the perfect, satisfying weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and delicious spinach, this dish has it all!
It is a simple dish and it takes minimal effort to put together. Perfect for meal prep or a dinner for the whole family to enjoy.
Boursin orzo with chicken ingredients
See below for the full list of ingredients you'll need to make this delicious pasta dish:
- orzo
- Boursin cheese
- skinless chicken breast
- chicken broth
- fresh spinach
- onion
- garlic
- olive oil
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
How to make Boursin orzo with chicken
Make this delicious comfort food all in one skillet by by following these simple instructions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil. Let heat for a 1-2 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic. Let cook for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken, cut into 1 inch cubes. Cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the broth and dry orzo.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 12 mins, stirring every few minutes.
- Take off the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in boursin.
- Add in spinach.
- Liquid should be mostly absorbed. If liquid is not all the way absorbed, let it sit for 10 mins to cool and liquid will absorb.
- Optional: Top with parsley and parmesan. Red pepper flakes on top would add a bit of spice.
- Enjoy!

Boursin orzo with chicken substitution ideas
Here are some substitution ideas for this orzo dish:
- Chicken: Instead of chicken breast, try skinless chicken thighs, or even chicken tenderloins.
- Boursin cheese: There are so many different flavors of Boursin cheese that you can pick from. They even have a dairy free option if you're vegan or dairy free.
- Spinach: Try broccoli, or red peppers in place of fresh spinach.
- Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth instead.
How long does Boursin orzo with chicken last in the fridge?
This pasta dish will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure you store leftovers in an airtight container.
How to meal prep this recipe
To meal prep this Boursin cheese orzo, all you have to do is follow the instructions as written to make the dish. Then, separate into six equal servings and store in airtight containers.
When you're ready to reheat a serving, take out a container and reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.
What goes well with Boursin orzo
When I think of sides for this dish, vegetables are the first things that come to mind. Some of my favorite vegetables are broccoli, green beans, or brussel sprouts.
Additionally, you could add some sun-dried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes into the actual pasta. This would add some delicious flavor and extra texture, too.
How healthy is Boursin orzo with chicken?
Healthy is a subjective word and means different things for different people. It really all depends on the person's body, health goals and activity levels.
I like to break down the different ingredients within a recipe and see what they have to offer my body at a more basic level. Let's do that with this recipe here!
Spinach is an amazing source of iron. Iron helps oxygenate the body and helps red blood cell function. Chicken has is a fabulous source of lean protein. This means it has lots of protein, but not a lot of fat. This dish in particular has over 20 grams of protein!

Is orzo a noodle or rice?
Orzo is a pasta even though it closely resembles rice. It is shaped to copycat the shape of barley.
Is orzo pasta healthier than rice?
As I said earlier, "healthy" is a subjective idea and means different things to different people. However, the whole wheat variety of orzo pasta has a higher protein and fiber content than white rice.
Both rice and orzo are a good source of carbohydrates for the body, which help keep your body running. In addition, orzo does typically cook faster than rice, which can cut back on the time you need to prepare your dish.
What does orzo taste like?
Orzo is often confused for a grain due to its small shape and size, but it is actually a dough! Orzo has a mild taste just like other pastas.
I personally like the different texture that it has due to its size. It certainly is a different experience than other bigger pastas!
Is Boursin the same as goat cheese?
Boursin does resemble goat cheese, but I would say it is more closely related to cream cheese. It is a perfect option for when you need a creamy spread. There are so many different flavors and add ins, you're sure to find one that you love!
Other delicious chicken recipe ideas
Try these other easy recipes here at Jordo's World:
- Greek Chicken Salad in a Jar
- Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Veggie Skillet
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Boursin Orzo with Chicken
Equipment
- skillet
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo
- 5.2 oz Boursin cheese
- 1 lb chicken
- 2.5 cups broth
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil. Let heat for a minute.
- Add onion and garlic. Let cook for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken, cut into 1 inch cubes. Cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add in salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add the broth and orzo.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 12 mins, stirring every few minutes.
- Take off the lid and cook for 5 more mins.
- Stir in boursin.
- Add in spinach.
- Liquid should be mostly absorbed. If liquid is not all the way absorbed, let it sit for 10 mins to cool and liquid will absorb.
- Optional: Top with parsley and parmesan.
- Enjoy!
Marisa Castorena says
This recipe is so quick and easy. And it is delicious. So creamy! I will definitely make this again.
Julie says
Jordan, this is so yummy! I used the cracked black pepper flavor Boursin cheese and it was great. Thanks for sharing!
Jordan Smith says
Yay! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I've used the garlic & herb boursin and basil & chive, I'll have to try with the cracked black pepper flavor!