Save This Boursin Orzo with Spinach is creamy comfort in a bowl and makes for a quick yet luxurious weeknight dinner. Tender orzo simmers right in the pan with onions and garlic, then swirls together with melting Boursin cheese, hearty spinach, and a splash of cream. I love how this all comes together in under half an hour with just one pot to clean.
The first time I made this I needed something quick after a long workday I was amazed at how the orzo soaks up all that garlicky sauce so every bite is packed with flavor My family request this one regularly now
Ingredients
- Orzo pasta: This little rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up sauce Look for a brand with a rough texture to grab all that creaminess
- Boursin garlic and herb cheese: The star of our sauce brings tangy richness Choose a fresh unopened pack for the silkiest result
- Heavy cream: Adds extra lusciousness in the sauce You can use half-and-half for a lighter touch but the full-fat makes it extra satisfying
- Unsalted butter: Rounds out the flavors and gives the base a golden finish Always use fresh butter to avoid bitterness
- Parmesan cheese optional: Sprinkled at the end for extra depth Use real Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it yourself if you can
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts quickly and brings fresh color and nutrients to the dish Choose bright crisp leaves
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give sharper flavor Mince just before adding for best aroma
- Shallot: Softer and sweeter than onion it melts into the sauce Pick one that is firm and glossy
- Salt: Balances all the creaminess You can use kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper: Brings a gentle kick Grind fresh for boldest taste
- Nutmeg optional: A pinch takes the creamy sauce to new heights Just grate a tiny bit right into the pan
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Allows the cheesy flavor to shine and keeps things from getting salty Look for clear golden broth
- Water: Used along with broth so the sauce is not too salty Use filtered or fresh water
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Sauté Aromatics:
- Add butter to a large saucepan and allow it to melt over medium heat When it begins to foam stir in the chopped shallot and minced garlic Sauté gently for about three minutes until soft and fragrant but not brown Stir often so nothing sticks to the bottom
- Toast the Orzo:
- Pour in the dry orzo and stir constantly for a couple of minutes The pasta will become slightly golden and give off a nutty aroma This toasting helps develop a deeper flavor
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Slowly add the vegetable broth and water then sprinkle in the salt and pepper Stir well Bring the mixture to a simmer then reduce the heat slightly so it bubbles gently Let this cook for about eight to ten minutes stirring every couple of minutes so nothing sticks to the pan The orzo should be tender but not mushy and most of the liquid will be absorbed
- Make it Creamy:
- Lower the heat to very low and add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream Stir thoroughly allowing the cheese to melt completely into the pasta Keep mixing until everything is silky and smooth
- Add Spinach:
- Drop handfuls of fresh baby spinach right into the hot orzo Stir for a couple of minutes until wilted and bright green
- Finish and Adjust:
- Remove the pan from heat Sprinkle in Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg Give everything a final stir Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if desired
- Plate and Serve:
- Spoon creamy orzo into bowls Top with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for serving Serve hot to enjoy the full creamy texture
Save Orzo is a great canvas for different cheeses and vegetables My favorite part is watching the Boursin melt in swirls and fill the kitchen with that cozy garlic and herb scent My niece licks the spoon whenever she helps me make this because the sauce is just that good
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to three days A splash of milk or cream stirred in before reheating will restore the creamy texture Gently reheat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave
Ingredient Substitutions
Use herbed cream cheese if you cannot find Boursin Stir in any tender greens such as arugula or Swiss chard for the spinach For dairy free try a vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter If you are out of shallot sub a bit of sweet onion
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy orzo as a main dish paired with a crisp green salad and maybe some toasted garlic bread It also makes a luxurious side with roasted vegetables or grilled fish A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top is a lovely finishing touch
Cultural Notes
Boursin cheese was first introduced in Normandy and brings a distinct French flair to the dish Orzo is more traditional to Mediterranean countries and works beautifully in quick one-pot pasta recipes This combination bridges French cheese and Italian pasta in a cozy modern dinner
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap the spinach with roasted butternut squash and a touch of sage in fall Use fresh peas or asparagus tips in spring for brightness Add sautéed cherry tomatoes while the orzo simmers in summer
Recipe Notes
Avoid overcooking the orzo so it stays just tender Always use a low-sodium broth to let the cheese flavors shine Double the recipe for easy meal prep and lunches
Success Stories
Friends have served this at book club gatherings and report zero leftovers Kids love the creamy sauce and you can sneak in extra veggies without a fuss A vegetarian guest at my table said it was one of her favorite comfort foods she could recall
Freezer Meal Conversion
This dish freezes best before you add the spinach Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then gently warm while stirring in fresh spinach before serving Add a splash of broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce
Save This orzo packs creamy cheesy comfort into every spoonful and is guaranteed to brighten your weeknight. Serve it hot and enjoy the tangy garlic scent as it hits the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter dish.
- → Can I substitute Boursin cheese?
You can use herbed cream cheese or soft garlic-flavored cheese for a similar creamy, aromatic result.
- → What proteins pair well with this meal?
Grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms blend well, adding heartiness and substance without overpowering flavors.
- → Is orzo gluten-free?
Standard orzo contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or rice-based orzo varieties available in stores.
- → What wines complement these flavors?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pair excellently with creamy, herb-infused pasta dishes.