Name: Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 2 cloves garlic, peeled; 1 5.3 ounce Boursin garlic and herb cheese; 12 ounces orzo pasta (about 2 cups); 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly torn; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced thin; kosher salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 3 reviews

If creamy, ultra-comforting pasta bakes are your style, wait until you try this Boursin Orzo Bake. Packed with blistered tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and the irresistible richness of Boursin garlic and herb cheese, this recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into a bubbly, restaurant-worthy main or side. Every forkful delivers a swoon-worthy blend of sharp, herby cheese, tender orzo, juicy tomatoes, and a pop of freshness from basil. It’s the kind of cozy bake you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for a weeknight dinner or wowing a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a modest list of ingredients becomes the vibrant, elegant Boursin Orzo Bake. Each item brings something unique—whether it’s creaminess, color, or crave-worthy flavor. Here’s the breakdown of everything you’ll need, along with tips for picking the best ingredients.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle forms the flavor-packed base of the bake, lending richness and helping the tomatoes roast perfectly.
Cherry Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, sweetest you can find; they burst into juicy gems after baking.
Garlic Cloves: Whole cloves mellow as they roast, infusing the orzo with gentle garlicky warmth.
Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese: The starring ingredient, this creamy, herby cheese melts into a luscious sauce.
Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta creates the bake’s comforting, creamy texture without becoming mushy.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Liquid gold for both cooking the orzo and infusing layers of savory depth.
Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs like oregano and basil add an effortless hint of the Mediterranean.
Fresh Spinach Leaves: Torn into pieces for big bursts of color and tender greens in every bite.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Thinly sliced for a fragrant finish and pop of bright green on top.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for awakening all the flavors and balancing the creamy cheese.

How to Make Boursin Orzo Bake

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Boursin

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, drizzle in the olive oil, add your cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves, and toss them with about 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. This gives the tomatoes a savory boost as they roast. Next, nestle the Boursin cheese right in the center, scooting aside some tomatoes to make a generous well. Pop the dish in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. The heat draws out the tomatoes’ sweetness and softens the cheese for that soon-to-be luscious sauce.

Step 2: Stir in Orzo, Broth, Spinach, and Seasonings

Take the dish out and give everything a good stir—those tomatoes will be fragrant and slightly caramelized at this point. To the pan, add the uncooked orzo, broth (vegetable or chicken), Italian seasoning, and all your torn spinach leaves. Stir again to evenly distribute the pasta and greens. Return the dish to the oven for 20-25 minutes at 400F; by the end, the orzo should absorb nearly all the liquid and turn tender while soaking up every herby, garlicky flavor.

Step 3: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve Warm

Once the liquid is absorbed, remove the Boursin Orzo Bake from the oven and give it a final, gentle stir. This ensures the cheese, tomatoes, and greens are beautifully combined. Taste, then adjust seasoning with more salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper if needed. Shower the top with thin ribbons of fresh basil and serve it up warm—you’re in for creamy, indulgent heaven!

How to Serve Boursin Orzo Bake

Garnishes

The crowning glory of this bake is a blanket of fresh basil—its brightness brings out the best in the creamy sauce. For extra flair, you can add a handful of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. A pinch of crushed red pepper gives a gentle kick, while microgreens or a sprinkle of lemon zest offer a fresh finish.

Side Dishes

The Boursin Orzo Bake loves simple pairings. It’s wonderful alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Add warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce, or serve with lemony chicken, shrimp, or salmon if you want to add protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, spoon the Boursin Orzo Bake into small bowls or ramekins and top each one with its own basil chiffonade. You can serve it family-style from the baking dish for casual gatherings, or pack leftovers into lunchboxes for a creamy, craveable midday treat. Try using oven-safe mini cocottes for individually baked portions—certain to wow every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Boursin Orzo Bake to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, making it a luxurious lunch or quick dinner reheat. The flavors meld and deepen, so it’s just as dreamy the next day.

Freezing

This bake freezes surprisingly well. Simply cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may thicken after freezing, so plan to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Reheating

To reheat, add a bit of broth or water to the pasta and warm in the microwave or a covered oven-safe dish at 350F until steaming hot. Stir well to bring back the creamy texture before serving. Add extra fresh basil or parmesan to revive its just-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While orzo gives this dish its comforting, risotto-like texture, you can swap in another small pasta such as ditalini or small shells. Just keep an eye on the baking time and add a little extra broth if needed, since cooking times may vary.

Is the Boursin Orzo Bake vegetarian?

Yes! When you use vegetable broth instead of chicken, the entire Boursin Orzo Bake is naturally vegetarian. It’s flavorful and hearty enough to please any crowd, regardless of dietary preferences.

Can I add protein for a heartier meal?

Definitely. Shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even white beans blend right in and turn the Boursin Orzo Bake into a satisfying all-in-one entrée. Stir the cooked proteins in before the final bake for even more flavor.

What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?

While nothing quite matches Boursin’s signature herby richness, whipped cream cheese with fresh garlic and chopped herbs is a great stand-in. Crumbled goat cheese or ricotta can also work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make Boursin Orzo Bake in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and chill in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s equal parts fancy and fuss-free, the Boursin Orzo Bake is your new secret weapon. When comfort calls, gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your favorites—you won’t believe how something so easy can taste so special. Happy cooking!

Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need