Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For those who prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. The Boursin cheese is the star, so feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Stir in the Boursin cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. This is the moment where the magic happens — the cheese ties everything together with its rich, herby notes.
- Add the cooked orzo and chicken back into the skillet along with the spinach. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and lemon zest for a bright, fresh touch. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking this dish always reminds me of those busy family dinners, where everyone gathered around the table, sharing their day. The process is simple, yet it brings such a sense of accomplishment and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International