Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies

If your weeknight brain feels like it has 17 tabs open (work, kids, laundry, “what’s that smell?”), this Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is here to save dinner without stealing your sanity. It’s creamy, cozy, and basically cooks itself once it hits the oven—aka the kind of help we all deserve.

This is the dinner I make when I want something that feels a little fancy… but I’m still wearing leggings and answering “What’s for dinner?” like it’s a personal attack. The Boursin melts into the broth and turns plain orzo into a silky, garlicky hug—while chicken and veggies make it a full meal in one dish. Minimal effort, maximum “wow, I made this?!” energy.

Why You’ll Love This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies

  • One pan, one bake, fewer dishes. (Music to every tired adult’s ears.)
  • Creamy without heavy cream. Boursin does the rich, dreamy work for you.
  • Family-friendly. Veggies blend right into the comfort factor.
  • Flexible. Chicken breast, thighs, extra veggies—this recipe isn’t fussy.
  • Leftovers are even better. The flavors settle in like they pay rent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll grab (nothing weird, nothing complicated):

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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 but lovely)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies

Step 1: Preheat and set yourself up

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Take a deep breath and enjoy the calm before the dinner-time chaos begins.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned on the outside.

You’re not cooking it through completely—just building flavor. Once it looks nicely golden, remove it and set it aside.

Step 3: Garlic + orzo = best start

In the same pan, add minced garlic and toast it for about 30 seconds. Keep it moving so it doesn’t burn (burnt garlic is the fastest way to go from “cozy dinner” to “why does my kitchen smell like regret?”).

Add the orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring often. This tiny step helps the pasta taste richer and nuttier.

Step 4: Add broth and veggies, then bring the magic

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the zucchini and cherry tomatoes.

Now for the fun part: nestle the Boursin cheese right in the center like it’s the guest of honor. Because it is.

Step 5: Return chicken, cover, and bake

Add the browned chicken back into the pan and mix slightly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

This is where you can clean up, help with homework, or stare into the fridge like it has answers.

Step 6: Finish creamy and dreamy

Remove the foil and give everything a good stir. The Boursin should melt into the broth and start turning everything creamy.

Stir in the spinach (it wilts fast) and add Parmesan if you’re using it. Bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the sauce looks luscious.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. Try not to “taste test” half the pan before it hits the table. (I say this as someone who has absolutely done that.)

Aneta’s Little Kitchen Story

This dish became my go-to on nights when I wanted something comforting but didn’t have the energy for anything complicated. The first time I made it, I was aiming for “simple baked pasta,” but when that Boursin melted into the broth? Total magic.

Chicken is my forever favorite ingredient because it works with everything, and this recipe is exactly why. It’s cozy enough for a rainy Tuesday, but pretty enough that you could serve it to friends and act like you planned it days ago.

Tips for the Creamiest, Easiest Bake

  • Use chicken thighs if you want extra juicy. Breasts work great too—just don’t overcook them during browning.
  • Cut veggies evenly. Zucchini pieces that are about the same size cook at the same pace (no crunchy surprises).
  • Stir after baking with foil. That’s when the cheese really blends into a smooth sauce.
  • If it looks a little thick, don’t panic. Add a splash of broth and stir—it loosens right up.
  • Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh herbs make it taste brighter and look like you have your life together.

Easy Variations (Because Life Happens)

  • Add mushrooms with the zucchini for a deeper, savory flavor.
  • Swap spinach for kale (just add it a few minutes earlier so it softens).
  • Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Use broccoli or asparagus if that’s what you have. This recipe is very “clean out the produce drawer” friendly.
Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies topped with golden seared chicken, creamy orzo, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and herbs in a wide bowl.
Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies—creamy, cheesy orzo with juicy chicken, spinach, and burst tomatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.

FAQs About Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies

Can I make Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake covered at 375°F—just add about 5–10 extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The orzo will thicken as it sits (pasta loves to drink sauce), so add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and evenly in broth. If you substitute another small pasta, watch the liquid and timing—you may need a bit more broth and a few extra minutes.

What if I can’t find Boursin garlic & herb?

If you can’t get the garlic & herb version, any herby soft cheese works, or you can use plain Boursin and add extra garlic plus dried Italian seasoning.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. This Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is happy to hold more zucchini, tomatoes, spinach, or whatever you’re trying to use up.

Dinner Wins Start Here

When you need a meal that feels like comfort food but still checks the “real dinner” box, Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is the answer. It’s creamy, satisfying, and low-stress—exactly what busy days call for. Make it once, and I promise it’ll end up in that special “repeat weekly” rotation right next to tacos and breakfast-for-dinner.

Keep the Chicken Magic Going

  • If you loved how creamy and cozy this bake turned out, you’ll probably also fall hard for Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo — it’s that same “one bowl = instant comfort” vibe, with extra mushroomy goodness.
  • Want a close cousin to tonight’s dinner (same easy orzo comfort, different flavor twist)? Try Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo for a tangy, weeknight-friendly option that still feels a little special.
  • If Boursin is your love language now (welcome to the club), don’t miss Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta — it’s rich, creamy, and the kind of meal that makes everyone suddenly appear in the kitchen “just to see what smells so good.”
  • And for those nights when you want the same comfort factor but with more “dump, bake, and relax,” you’ll love Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo — cozy, family-friendly, and totally leftover-approved.

If you make this Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies, I’d love to hear how it went! Please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—your feedback helps other readers pick their next dinner (and it makes my day, too!).

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Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies in a bowl—creamy orzo with seared chicken, spinach, and roasted squash, garnished with fresh herbs.

Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, cozy, and made in one pan, this Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. Tender chicken, melty Boursin cheese, and colorful vegetables come together in a rich, flavorful orzo bake that feels fancy but is incredibly easy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in orzo and toast for 1 minute.

  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes.

  5. Place the Boursin cheese in the center of the pan. Return chicken to the dish and gently stir.

  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

  7. Remove foil, stir in spinach and Parmesan (if using), and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes, until orzo is tender and creamy.

  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

Chicken thighs add extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work perfectly too.

If the orzo looks thick after baking, stir in a splash of warm broth to loosen it.

This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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