Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

This delicious one-pan dish combines juicy chicken breasts, creamy orzo pasta, and Boursin cheese for a comforting meal full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Cantanzaro herbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cut into short, thin strips
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
• 2 cups chopped spinach

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cantanzaro herbs and salt.
3. In a deep cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced shallot and garlic. Saut for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the oil and butter mixture.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and whipping cream, stirring to combine. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the orzo.
8. Place the Boursin cheese in the center of the skillet, pressing it into the orzo mixture.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the orzo is tender but still has a slight bite and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C). The chicken should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.
11. Remove the skillet from the oven. Move the chicken to one side and add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1 minute.
12. Serve the dish immediately, ensuring that the spinach is evenly mixed through the orzo and that the chicken is well distributed.

Cooks Notes

Cantanzaro herb seasoning is a special blend of marjoram, basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic, and lemon peel, available from the Savory Spice Shop. The heat from baking will be enough to wilt the spinach. For easier serving, you may cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before plating.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories	578
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	149mg
Sodium	992mg
Total Carbohydrates	34g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	51g
Vitamin C	10mg
Calcium	396mg
Iron	5mg
Potassium	946mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake

The Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake is a contemporary American comfort food that blends European-inspired flavors with the convenience of a one-pot casserole. The dish centers around tender chicken breasts baked with orzo pasta in a creamy sauce enriched by Boursin cheese, a French soft cheese known for its garlic and herb infusion. While casseroles have been staples in American kitchens since the early 20th century, the integration of Boursin cheese reflects the growing influence of gourmet ingredients in everyday home cooking, particularly from the 1990s onward.

Regional Variations and Features

This recipe is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in regions where Italian and French culinary influences are popular. Variations may include different herbs or cheeses depending on local tastes. In coastal areas, you might find the addition of sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a fresher, lighter twist, while Midwestern versions may lean heavier on cream and butter for a richer, more indulgent casserole. The flexibility of the recipe allows home cooks to adapt it to seasonal ingredients or family preferences, making it a highly versatile dish.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

While there are many creamy chicken casseroles, the inclusion of Boursin cheese and orzo pasta makes this bake unique. Unlike traditional mac and cheese-style casseroles, the orzo offers a delicate, rice-like texture that absorbs the creamy sauce evenly. The Boursin cheese provides an aromatic complexity with herbs and garlic, elevating the dish beyond the ordinary cream-based casseroles. Its flavor profile is simultaneously rich and nuanced, distinguishing it from simpler baked pasta or chicken-and-rice combinations.

Where Its Typically Served

This bake is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It is often served as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread to balance the creamy richness. Some restaurants and bistros also include it as a seasonal special, highlighting its blend of comfort food and gourmet flair. Its ease of preparation and one-dish format make it especially popular for weeknight meals, where both flavor and convenience are desired.

Interesting Facts

• Boursin cheese was first created in Normandy, France, in 1957 by Franois Boursin, and quickly became known for its soft texture and herbaceous flavor.
• Orzo, a pasta shaped like rice, originates from Italy and is particularly suited for absorbing sauces, which is why it works beautifully in this creamy bake.
• The combination of garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes in the dish reflects a modern trend of fusing Mediterranean flavors with classic American comfort foods.
• This casserole can easily be adapted to include vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, offering both nutritional variety and color.
• Many home cooks appreciate the one-pot nature of the dish, which minimizes cleanup while delivering a restaurant-quality flavor at home.

FAQ about Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe

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