This creamy chicken orzo pasta recipe is a cozy, one-pot meal you can throw together in under an hour! With herb-flavored Boursin, crisp fresh broccoli, and a hint of fresh lemon, it’s a satisfying yet effortless dinner that's packed with so much flavor. Perfect comfort food for your weekly dinner rotation!

A skillet featuring tender chicken pieces, broccoli, and creamy orzo, all brightened with a lemon slice and garnished with fresh herbs, awaits the delicate touch of a wooden spoon.

This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from me every week!

Don't be fooled by this orzo chicken. It's a complete meal with pasta, protein, veggies, and a rich, flavorful sauce, but it's easy and breezy to make.

One-pan dinners are a must for every home cook. The reader feedback on my Tuscan chicken bake was so positive that I wanted to do something similar but with pasta.

📖Why My Recipe Works

The Boursin cheese is flavored with garlic and herbs, so it adds oomph without having to add a bunch of extra ingredients. A total time saver!

🧾Ingredient Notes

Chicken- I like using boneless skinless chicken thighs since they're juicier and more flavorful. You can use chicken breast for a leaner option.
Orzo- Use regular or gluten-free orzo pasta.
Boursin Cheese- Use the garlic and herb-flavored Boursin cheese. If not available, substitute with a mixture of goat cheese or cream cheese and minced garlic and fresh herbs.
Onion- Use yellow or white onion.
Broccoli- Use fresh florets for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to remove extra moisture. If you are short on broccoli, you can stir in fresh spinach or frozen peas at the end for extra veggies.
Lemon- We're using both the juice and zest to add a bright, zesty flavor.

Ingredients for a Chicken Orzo Bake are arranged on a surface: chicken, chicken stock, broccoli florets, orzo, cheese, olive oil, lemon, chopped onion, salt, and pepper.

⏲️How to Make Chicken and Orzo

Chunks of cooked chicken and onions simmering in a pan beside a white and blue cloth, creating the perfect base for a creamy Boursin one-pot delight.

Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium high heat until each side is nice and golden brown.

Broccoli cooking in a saucepan on a white surface, with a folded blue and white cloth beside it, creates the perfect setting for whipping up your favorite one-pot meal.

Add the onions and saute until soft and translucent. Then, deglaze with a splash of chicken stock. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well to evenly distribute.

A skillet filled with broccoli, rice, and chicken sits beside a white and blue towel, offering a simple one pot recipe for a comforting meal.

The broccoli and orzo should be tender but not mushy. If it's still firm after 30 minutes, add another 5 minutes.

A one-pot dish of creamy pasta with broccoli, tender chicken, and a hint of Boursin cheese, garnished with lemon and herbs, rests on a blue towel.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

If you're in a hurry, you can skip searing the chicken. It won't be as flavorful, but you can throw everything in a baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the oven.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

No, I don't recommend using other types of pasta. Orzo is just the perfect size to cook quickly and soak in all the flavors without becoming mushy.

Can I use another cheese?

Yes, you can use cream cheese, goat cheese, or crumbled feta cheese but you will need to add seasoning. You can make your own blend of add 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning

Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?