This cozy casserole brings creamy, herby Boursin cheese to tender orzo, shredded chicken, and bright vegetables. It bakes into a golden-topped dish with a rich, garlicky aroma and a creamy, slightly tangy bite. The texture is comforting: soft orzo, juicy tomatoes, and little bites of crisp-tender broccoli. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels special.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 570 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why Make This Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
This bake is fast, comforting, and full of flavor. Boursin cheese melts into the orzo and chicken to create a silky sauce with garlic and herb notes. The broccoli adds a fresh, green snap and the cherry tomatoes give pops of sweet acidity. It reheats well, feeds a family, and looks inviting with a golden top and a sprinkle of parsley.
How to Make Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
You’ll sauté the vegetables, cook the orzo, mix everything with Boursin and broth, then bake until bubbly and golden. The method keeps textures pleasing: orzo stays tender but not mushy, and the veggies keep some bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Boursin cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package directions until just al dente (usually 7–9 minutes). Drain the orzo and set it aside. If your chicken is not cooked, poach or roast it, then shred into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the broccoli is bright green and just tender and the tomatoes begin to soften, about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Mixing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, Boursin cheese, and 2 cups chicken broth. Stir well until the Boursin melts and coats the orzo and chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Baking and Finishing
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
Serve hot straight from the dish. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or simple steamed greens. For a heartier meal, add crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce. The dish makes a comforting solo dinner and a cozy family meal.
How to Store Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave single portions.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
- Cook the orzo slightly under al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven. This avoids a mushy texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want better control of the salt level. Taste before adding extra salt.
- Tear the Boursin into smaller pieces so it melts evenly into the sauce.
- Don’t overbake. Remove the casserole when it’s heated through and the top is just golden to keep a creamy interior.
- Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for a bright lift.
- If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle 1/2 cup panko mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter over the casserole for the last 8–10 minutes of baking.
Delicious Variations
- Veggie-forward: Omit chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian version. Add a can of drained chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
- Cheesy crust: Mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan with panko for a gratin-style topping.
- Lemon-herb: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest and a tablespoon of chopped dill or basil for a fresh twist.
- Creamier: Swap 1/2 cup of the chicken broth for heavy cream for an ultra-rich sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli and tomatoes?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess water from frozen broccoli before sautéing. Cherry tomatoes can be used frozen but may release more liquid; cook a little longer to evaporate excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: Is low-fat Boursin okay to use?
A: You can use a lighter Boursin-style spread. The texture will be slightly less rich but still flavorful. You may need to reduce extra liquid slightly to maintain creaminess.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free orzo (made from rice or corn) or substitute with small gluten-free pasta shapes. Confirm that your broth and Boursin-style cheese are gluten-free.
Q: Will the dish dry out when reheated?
A: It can dry if overcooked. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter to restore creaminess. Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
Q: Can I add other proteins like sausage or shrimp?
A: Yes. Cooked sausage or cooked shrimp work well. Add cooked shrimp toward the end of the baking time so it stays tender.
Q: How do I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium broth, rinse canned or processed chicken if used, and taste before adding salt. Fresh herbs boost flavor without added salt.
Conclusion
This Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies is an easy, comforting dish that blends creamy, herby cheese with tender chicken and bright vegetables. It’s great for busy weeknights and makes reliable leftovers. For another take or inspiration, check this version: Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies. Give it a try — the aroma and creamy texture will win you over.
Print
Boursin Orzo Bake With Chicken And Veggies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced
Description
This cozy casserole features creamy Boursin cheese, tender orzo, shredded chicken, and colorful vegetables, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Boursin cheese
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the orzo according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté broccoli and tomatoes until the broccoli is bright green and tender, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, Boursin cheese, and chicken broth. Stir until the cheese melts and coats everything.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
Notes
For added crunch, sprinkle panko mixed with butter on top for the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
