Creamy, cheesy weeknight comfort
If you’re craving a creamy, cozy dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, this Boursin orzo bake is about to become your new favorite weeknight recipe. Tender orzo pasta bakes in a rich garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach for the ultimate comfort food. It’s a true one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or a casual dinner with friends. Everything melts together in the oven into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece — no complicated steps required!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–5 servings
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (5.2 oz) package garlic & herb Boursin cheese
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Build the Base
Add uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning directly into the baking dish. Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then gently stir to combine.
3️⃣ Add the Star Ingredient
Place the whole Boursin cheese round right in the center of the dish. Drizzle everything with olive oil. 🧄✨
4️⃣ Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5️⃣ Stir & Add Spinach
Remove from the oven and stir everything together. The Boursin will melt into a creamy sauce. Fold in the fresh spinach and half of the mozzarella. The spinach will wilt from the heat. 🥬
6️⃣ Final Cheesy Bake
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly and become rich and glossy. Enjoy warm! 🧀
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to bring back creaminess.
- Extra Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef before the final bake.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble everything (except spinach and topping cheese) and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready.
🔄 Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta.
- Mushroom Lover’s: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
❓ FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of Boursin?
Absolutely! Shallot & chive or cracked black pepper work beautifully.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — just use gluten-free orzo and adjust baking time slightly.
Can I freeze it?
Cream-based pastas can separate after freezing, but it can be frozen up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added liquid.
Do I have to cook the orzo first?
Nope! It cooks right in the oven, soaking up all that creamy flavor.