The first time I made this Boursin pasta recipe, it was a cold weeknight when I wanted something comforting but didn’t have the time (or energy!) for a complicated dish. One glance at a leftover wheel of garlic and herb Boursin cheese, and the idea struck, melt it into a silky pasta sauce. Just like that, this weeknight winner was born. And let me tell you, it’s been on repeat ever since.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a table of hungry kids, this Boursin pasta recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Think of it as mac and cheese for grown ups only way more flavorful and ready in under 20 minutes.
You can dress it up with roasted veggies, shrimp, or grilled chicken, or keep it beautifully simple with just pasta and cheese. Either way, the richness of Boursin makes it taste like something you’d order at a cozy bistro. And yes, it’s just that good.
Table of contents
Why This Boursin Pasta Recipe Works Like Magic
At the heart of this dish is Boursin cheese, a soft, creamy cheese blended with garlic and herbs. It melts like a dream and turns into the perfect pasta sauce without the need for heavy cream, flour, or fancy techniques. One ingredient, endless flavor.
Here’s why I swear by this Boursin pasta recipe:
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: You only need pasta, Boursin cheese, and a splash of pasta water to make a lush, creamy sauce. No roux, no cream, no stress.
- Quick and easy: From boiling water to serving a bowl, you’re looking at a 15–20 minute total cooking time. It’s truly a busy cook’s best friend.
- Incredibly versatile: You can use any pasta shape you love, rigatoni, spaghetti, fusilli, penne, and add proteins or veggies to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Perfect balance: The garlic and herbs in the cheese bring brightness and depth, while the creamy texture coats every bite of pasta just right.
And if you’re cooking for guests? They’ll never guess it only took you one pan and one wheel of cheese to make this rich, elegant pasta dish.
Recipe Card
Boursin Pasta Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes450
kcalThis Boursin pasta recipe blends delicate herbs and creamy cheese for a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (e.g., linguine or penne)
5 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor recommended)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup spinach (optional)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Boursin and Cream: Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Spinach: Add cherry tomatoes and spinach, allowing them to soften.
- Mix with Pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved water, stirring to coat and adjust the consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe works well with various pasta shapes, especially those that hold sauce, like penne or fusilli.
- Feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon.
- The Boursin cheese offers rich garlic and herb flavors, so adjust additional garlic and herbs accordingly.
How to Perfect Your Boursin Pasta
- Use pasta water: Don’t discard that pasta water! After cooking your pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy water before draining. This starchy water is the magic ingredient that helps the Boursin cheese sauce come together smoothly, creating a silky, luscious texture. It also helps the sauce stick better to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook your pasta: For the perfect bite, cook your pasta just to al dente. Overcooked pasta will absorb too much of the sauce and get mushy. Follow package instructions for timing and taste test it before draining.
- Stir gently and consistently: When you add the Boursin cheese to the pasta, stir gently and consistently over low heat. This will help the cheese melt into the sauce without clumping or separating. Be patient and let the heat work its magic.
- Customize with extras: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add any protein or veggie to suit your tastes. Try grilled chicken for a heartier option or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Variants of the Boursin Pasta Recipe
1. Boursin Pasta with Grilled Chicken
If you’re in the mood for a more filling dish, grilled chicken is a perfect pairing with this pasta. Simply grill boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and slice them thinly. Add them on top of your creamy Boursin pasta for a protein-packed meal. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs before grilling.
2. Boursin Pasta with Shrimp
For seafood lovers, shrimp brings an elegant touch to this creamy dish. Sauté shrimp with a bit of garlic and olive oil until they’re pink and cooked through, then toss them with the finished pasta. The sweetness of the shrimp complements the richness of the Boursin sauce beautifully.
3. Vegetarian Boursin Pasta
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, adding roasted veggies is the way to go. Think roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms. These add both flavor and texture, giving the dish more depth. For extra greens, you could toss in some spinach or arugula at the end for a peppery contrast.
4. Boursin Pasta with Bacon
For those who love a smoky, savory twist, crispy bacon can elevate your pasta to new heights. Fry bacon until crispy, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top of your creamy Boursin pasta. The salty, crispy bacon gives the dish a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese or mascarpone, but the garlic and herb flavor will be milder.
Opt for whole-wheat pasta and reduce the heavy cream by substituting half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or water to retain its creamy texture.
Final thoughts
The Boursin pasta recipe is everything you need for a cozy, delicious, and simple meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this creamy pasta comes together in no time and always delivers a satisfying, flavorful dish. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs, from adding veggies to trying out different proteins.
If you loved this pasta recipe, try pairing it with a Chantilly Cake for dessert, its light, fluffy texture balances the rich pasta perfectly.
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