One-Pot Wonder: Boursin & Sausage Orzo Pasta Bake
Ladies & Son’s of Ladies, Your New Weeknight Obsession! Sometimes, after a long day, all you want is a meal that's delicious, comforting, and easy. Like, ridiculously easy. If you're nodding along, then my friends, you are in for a treat! Today, we're diving into the glorious world of my Boursin and Sausage Orzo Pasta Bake. This dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers on flavor without the fuss. Imagine this: savory sausage, tender orzo, vibrant veggies, and that irresistibly creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese, all mingling together in one dish. Pop it in the oven, set a timer, and you’re done! You've got a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself. This pasta bake isn't just easy; it's a game-changer for those busy  evenings when you crave warmth and flavor without the kitchen chaos.

Do I Have to Use Boursin Brand Garlic & Herb Spreadable Cheese?

Absolutely not! While I'm a big fan of Boursin for its creamy texture and rich garlic and herb flavor, you are free to use any brand of spreadable garlic and herb cheese you can get your hands on. The key is that signature garlicky, herby goodness that melts beautifully into the pasta, so pick your favorite and get ready for a flavor explosion!

What is Orzo?

If you’ve asked yourself that question, you are not alone. Growing up, orzo was not a staple piece in our pantry, but now it certainly will be. Orzo is a  rice-shaped pasta that's incredibly versatile. Despite its small size, it's actually a type of pasta, not a grain. Its small, elongated shape makes it perfect for absorbing flavors from sauces and broths, creating a wonderfully creamy texture in dishes like this pasta bake. It cooks relatively quickly and feels wonderfully comforting, making it a perfect base for our bake.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

I'm a big fan of Cajun-style andouille smoked sausage in this dish because it brings a fantastic depth of flavor and a little smoky spice that pairs perfectly with the creamy Boursin. However, you can certainly experiment with other cooked sausages like Italian sausage (sweet or hot), chicken sausage, or even a smoked turkey sausage if you prefer. Just make sure it's pre-cooked!

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Definitely! This pasta bake is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini, chopped bell peppers (beyond the sun-dried ones!), or even onions. Just remember that adding too many might require a little extra chicken broth to ensure the orzo cooks properly. Tried this recipe? What recipe variations did you use? Leave your reviews in the comments below! Had an amazing spread and are open to sharing that with the ChewingwithChu audience? I would love to see your masterpiece! Share your photos on IG/IGStory and mention @ChewingwithChu! I will be sure to share them on my page.
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Ingredients
  • 5.3 oz Boursin Garlic & Herbs cheese (or other spreadable garlic & herb cheese)
  • 1 lb Orzo (uncooked)
  • 1 cup Spinach (I used a baby spinach & kale mix)
  • 1/2 cup Grape tomatoes (whole)
  • 1/2 cup Sun-dried bell peppers
  • 3 cup Chicken broth
  • 2 1/2 tsp Minced garlic
  • 13 oz Cajun-style andouille smoked sausage (Sliced)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red crushed pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spray the bottom of your 13x9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. In the center of the dish, add your unwrapped garlic and herb spreadable cheese.
  4. Around the cheese, add the uncooked orzo, spinach mix, grape tomatoes, sun-dried bell peppers, basil, sliced sausage, minced garlic, black pepper, red crushed pepper, and salt (to taste) to the baking dish.
  5. Add the chicken broth to the dish and lightly drizzle the contents of the dish with oil.
  6. Give the ingredients surrounding your cheese a light stir with a spoon, making sure the orzo is nestled down and mostly covered by the liquid. This ensures it cooks evenly! Don't worry if a few of the other delicious bits aren't completely submerged, the steam will help them cook too.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Remove the foil and give the pasta bake a good stir until the Boursin cheese has melted and thoroughly coated the orzo and other ingredients, creating a creamy, irresistible sauce.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, one-pot masterpiece!
Recipe Notes

Kitchen Tools & Accessories:  13x9 inch baking dish  Aluminum foil Measuring cups ( 1/2, 1)  Measuring spoons (1/4 tsp., 1/2 tsp.) Cutting board Chef's knife (for slicing sausage, chopping basil)  Spatula or large spoon (for stirring)