Creamy One-Dish Chicken Dinner in 60 Minutes

Boursin Orzo Bake with chicken and vegetables brings restaurant elegance to your weeknight table with minimal effort. This creamy, comforting dish features tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and orzo pasta all baked together in one pan with the luxurious flavor of Boursin garlic and herb cheese.

I discovered Boursin cheese about ten years ago when my neighbor brought over a cheese board for our book club meeting. That creamy, garlicky flavor stuck with me, and I started experimenting with it in different recipes. One particularly busy Tuesday, I threw together what I had in the fridge with some Boursin and orzo, baked it all in one dish, and my family absolutely loved it. My teenage son, who usually picks at vegetables, actually went back for seconds. The Boursin melts into the chicken broth creating this incredibly rich sauce that coats every piece of orzo and vegetable. Now I make this at least twice a month, and it’s become one of those recipes I share with every new mom in the neighborhood who needs easy dinner ideas. Let’s get that oven preheated.

What Makes This Boursin Orzo Bake So Special

I’ve been making baked pasta dishes for over thirty years, and this Boursin Orzo Bake stands out because the garlic and herb cheese does all the flavor work for you. No need to measure out multiple spices or make a complicated sauce from scratch.

• Uses just one baking dish for the entire meal, making cleanup a breeze on busy evenings
• Creates a creamy sauce without being heavy or overly rich, thanks to the balanced Boursin cheese
• Works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and when you have company over
• Allows you to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer
• Delivers rich garlic and herb flavor without any complicated seasoning steps
• Provides a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and pasta all in one dish

My daughter-in-law loves this recipe because she can prep everything in the morning and just pop it in the oven when she gets home from work.

Ingredient Spotlight

Orzo pasta is the foundation of this dish, and I’ve found that this rice-shaped pasta absorbs the Boursin-infused broth beautifully while maintaining a pleasant tender texture. Make sure it’s fully submerged in liquid before baking.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein that stays tender when cut into strips and baked with the orzo. In my kitchen, I prefer cutting them into uniform strips so everything cooks evenly.

Boursin garlic and herb cheese is the star ingredient that transforms simple chicken broth into a luxurious, creamy sauce. I always choose the garlic and herb variety because it provides the perfect balance of flavors without needing additional seasonings.

Zucchini and bell peppers add color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness that complements the savory Boursin sauce. Fresh vegetables work best here, and I like using a mix of red and yellow peppers for visual appeal.

Chicken broth combines with the Boursin to create the cooking liquid that both cooks the orzo and becomes the creamy sauce. I typically use low-sodium broth so the Boursin’s natural saltiness can shine through.

Fresh garlic builds aromatic depth even though the Boursin already contains garlic. Those few cloves sauteed before baking add an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish irresistible.

Italian seasoning ties all the Mediterranean flavors together with its blend of basil, oregano, and thyme. This simple addition enhances the herbs already present in the Boursin cheese.

Fresh parsley provides a final pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, creamy dish. Betty always adds this at the very end to preserve its vibrant green color.

How to Make Boursin Orzo Bake

Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating the oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a large baking dish, which prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 2. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. I’ve learned that seasoning the chicken before browning creates layers of flavor throughout the dish.

Step 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. The key I discovered is not to cook it all the way through since it will finish in the oven.

Step 4. Remove the chicken and set aside, then saute the minced garlic and sliced vegetables in the same skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5. Add the orzo, sauteed vegetables, browned chicken, chicken broth, and the entire package of Boursin cheese to your prepared baking dish.

Step 6. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid. Betty’s tip: This step is crucial for even cooking of the pasta.

Step 7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Through trial and error, I learned that covering the dish during the first part of baking prevents the top from drying out.

Step 8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is creamy and bubbly.

Step 9. Stir the dish gently halfway through the uncovered baking time to prevent sticking and ensure even creaminess throughout.

Step 10. Let the Boursin Orzo Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. My family prefers when I garnish it generously with fresh chopped parsley just before bringing it to the table.

Keeping This Boursin Orzo Bake Fresh

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so the dish becomes thicker when cold. Betty always used glass containers with tight-sealing lids to keep everything fresh and make reheating easier.

This Boursin Orzo Bake freezes well for up to 2 months if you need to meal prep ahead. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to leave a bit of space at the top for expansion. The Boursin sauce maintains its creamy texture beautifully when properly thawed in the refrigerator overnight.

For the best texture, I reheat by warming gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave at 70 percent power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each and adding a tablespoon of broth if needed. The stovetop works too, just use low heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Perfect Partners for Boursin Orzo Bake

• Simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness with bright, acidic notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy orzo.
• Roasted asparagus with garlic adds elegant vegetable sides that complement the Boursin flavors without competing with them.
• Warm crusty bread or garlic bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of that incredible creamy sauce, and my grandkids always request extra.
• Honey glazed carrots and green beans bring a touch of sweetness that balances the savory, garlicky notes perfectly.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans provide simple, healthy vegetables that let the star of the show shine while adding color to your plate.
• Balsamic roasted vegetables offer sweet-tangy notes and a variety of textures that pair wonderfully with the creamy bake.
• Caesar salad with homemade croutons delivers classic flavors that complement this Mediterranean-inspired main dish beautifully.
• Fresh winter salad bowl adds seasonal freshness and crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm, creamy pasta.

FAQs

Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Vegetables

A creamy, comforting one-dish meal loaded with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and orzo pasta, all baked together with Boursin garlic and herb cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 medium zucchini sliced
• 1 whole red bell pepper diced
• 1 whole yellow bell pepper diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
• 1 package Boursin garlic and herb cheese 5.2 oz
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large oven-safe baking dish (9×13 inch)
• large skillet
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, saute the minced garlic and sliced vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add the orzo, sauteed vegetables, browned chicken, chicken broth, and Boursin cheese to the prepared baking dish. Stir gently to combine.
6. Make sure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid. Add a bit more broth if needed.
7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until creamy and lightly golden on top.
9. Stir gently halfway through the uncovered baking time to prevent sticking.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure the orzo is fully submerged in liquid before baking so it cooks evenly. Add extra broth if needed to keep the orzo creamy. Let the dish rest before serving for best texture. Don’t overcook the chicken during browning as it continues cooking in the oven. Be careful not to oversalt as Boursin cheese already contains seasoning.