Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Orzo & Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta and toast it for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly to lightly brown the pasta, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 8–10 minutes or until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach: Fold chopped fresh spinach into the orzo mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts, adding a fresh touch.
- Reheat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Warm through for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired. Serve immediately for a deliciously comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly (use vegetarian chicken substitutes).
- To add extra flavor, consider including minced garlic when toasting the orzo.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with 1/4 of orzo mixture)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg