If you love indulgent, flavorful dishes that come together in a flash, this Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It’s the perfect balance of rich, herby Boursin cheese melting into warm, tender pasta, creating a silky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort, this recipe brings comfort and elegance with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential, each bringing its own magic to the Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe. From the creamy, herb-filled Boursin cheese lending luscious texture, to the nutty Parmesan that deepens the flavor, every component plays a vital role in creating this dish’s irresistible character.
- 8 ounces penne (or medium pasta): A sturdy pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese (1 box): The star ingredient with garlic and fine herbs that give the dish its unforgettable flavor.
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty note and helps thicken the sauce just right.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by cooking the penne according to the package directions in well-salted boiling water. This is key to infusing flavor into the pasta itself. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining — this starchy water is gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Return the drained pasta to the pot while still warm. Add the Boursin cheese gradually, stirring gently to let it melt and coat each piece of penne. The creaminess begins here, turning your pasta into a decadent, smooth delight.
Step 3: Adjust the Sauce
Slowly stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. This technique creates a perfectly silky texture without watering down the intense flavor of the Boursin. Take your time and watch the sauce transform into a luscious cream.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese. This step enhances the richness and adds a gentle bite. Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste — a little seasoning goes a long way in elevating this dish.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible melty, golden finish. A handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a burst of color and freshness that brightens the creamy richness. For a little texture contrast, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads like arugula dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to balance the decadence. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce’s creamy sheen and garnish with vibrant herbs for a restaurant-style look. For a casual gathering, toss the pasta with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to introduce new textures and bursts of flavor. You can even turn it into a layered pasta bake by mixing in mozzarella and baking until golden and bubbly for a cozy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but don’t worry — it can easily be refreshed when reheated.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the texture of the cheese sauce may slightly change upon freezing, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and keep the pasta silky and smooth, just like when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly because of its shape, feel free to use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. The key is to pick pasta that holds the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe heavily relies on the distinctive flavor and texture of Boursin and Parmesan cheese, so a dairy-free version would require specialty vegan cheese substitutes. The creamy consistency might differ, but experimenting with plant-based cheese can work if you’re up for it.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits make fantastic additions that compliment the creamy, herby flavors without overpowering them.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thin the sauce, add reserved pasta water or a splash of cream gradually. To thicken, simmer the pasta a minute longer off heat allowing the cheese to firm up. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
What sides best balance the richness of this pasta?
Fresh salads with citrusy dressings and lightly steamed green veggies are excellent choices that cut through the creaminess and refresh the palate.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels both luxurious and approachable. It’s a quick, reliable recipe you can pull together anytime to impress or simply satisfy your craving for something rich and flavorful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it’s that kind of crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
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Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
A creamy and flavorful Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe that comes together quickly in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish features penne pasta tossed with rich Boursin cheese and Parmesan, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne (or medium pasta)
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese (1 box)
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Drain and return pasta: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and place it back into the large pot off the heat to prepare for mixing with the cheese.
- Add Boursin cheese: Stir in the Boursin cheese into the hot pasta, gradually adding the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Mix in Parmesan: Remove the pot from the heat completely and fold in the shredded Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts gently into the sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce without adding extra cream or butter.
- You can substitute penne with other medium-sized pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a more garlicky flavor, try adding a small amount of garlic powder or sautéed minced garlic before mixing in the cheese.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may require adding more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
