Boursin Cheese Pasta
A silky, creamy pasta dish featuring the distinctive herb-infused flavor of Boursin cheese that transforms ordinary pasta into an elegant 30-minute meal. This simple yet sophisticated recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.
Easy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
When you need a comforting dinner that feels luxurious but comes together in minutes, this Boursin Cheese Pasta is the answer. The creamy, herb-flecked Boursin cheese melts into a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, creating a restaurant-quality dish with remarkably little effort. While pasta dishes are welcome year-round, this particular recipe shines in cooler months when we crave something warm and comforting without the fuss of complicated techniques.
THIS RECIPE:
- Uses just 7 simple ingredients for maximum flavor impact
- Creates a silky, herb-infused cream sauce without flour or complicated steps
- Comes together in under 30 minutes for weeknight ease
- Can be customized with seasonal vegetables or protein additions
| Recipe Details | Time/Yield |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 portions |
| Yield | 4 cups |
What makes this Boursin Cheese Pasta so appealing is its perfect balance between sophistication and simplicity. The distinctive herby flavor of Boursin eliminates the need for complex seasoning, while its creamy texture creates an instant sauce when combined with hot pasta and a splash of starchy cooking water. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for date night yet simple enough for Monday evening when culinary motivation might be low.
Ingredients for Boursin Cheese Pasta
The beauty of Boursin Cheese Pasta lies in its quality-over-quantity approach to ingredients. Each component plays an important role, so selecting the best versions you can find will elevate your final dish significantly. The star ingredient—Boursin cheese—comes pre-seasoned with herbs and garlic, doing much of the flavor work for you.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best)
- 5.2 oz package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, chives, or basil)
For Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 1 pound | Choose bronze-die extruded pasta for better sauce adhesion |
| Boursin Cheese | 5.2 oz package | Garlic & Fine Herbs variety offers the most versatile flavor profile |
| Parmesan | 1/2 cup | Buy a block and grate it fresh for better melting and flavor |
| Heavy Cream | 1/4 cup | Full-fat provides the best texture; avoid substituting half-and-half |
| Herbs | 2-3 tablespoons | Fresh herbs provide brighter flavor than dried |
When selecting your Boursin cheese, note that it comes in several flavors. While the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety is traditional for this pasta, don’t hesitate to experiment with Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper versions for interesting variations. For the pasta itself, shapes with ridges or hollows will capture more of the creamy sauce, enhancing each bite.
How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta
Creating this luscious pasta dish involves a straightforward process that’s all about timing and temperature. The key is to coordinate your pasta cooking with sauce preparation so everything comes together at just the right moment for maximum creaminess.
Prepare your workspace: Measure all ingredients and have them ready before beginning. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
Cook the pasta: Add 1 tablespoon salt to boiling water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Important: Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Start the sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Create the base: If using cherry tomatoes, add them now and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
Combine elements: When pasta is ready, drain (remembering to reserve that pasta water!) and immediately add to the skillet.
Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and add Boursin cheese, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and the heavy cream, stirring constantly until cheese melts completely.
Achieve perfect texture: If sauce is too thick, gradually add remaining pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta evenly without pooling in the bottom of the pan
Finish the dish: Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until well combined. If using spinach or other leafy greens, add now and toss until just wilted, about 1 minute.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Portion into warm bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan if desired.
Pro tip: For the silkiest sauce, don’t rush the melting process. Low heat and constant gentle stirring will prevent the cheese from breaking and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
Tips for Making Boursin Cheese Pasta
Mastering this seemingly simple dish comes down to understanding a few key techniques that elevate it from good to exceptional. Follow these expert recommendations for perfect Boursin Cheese Pasta every time.
• Pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy cooking water is essential for creating a silky sauce that clings to pasta rather than sliding off. Always reserve some before draining.
• Temperature control matters: Add the Boursin to a warm (not hot) pan to prevent it from separating. If your skillet is too hot, pull it off the heat for 30 seconds before adding the cheese.
• Undercook pasta slightly: Aim for 1 minute less than package directions since it will continue cooking when added to the sauce.
• Don’t skip the fat: The combination of olive oil and heavy cream creates the perfect environment for the cheese to melt smoothly without becoming grainy.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta Selection | Use shapes with ridges or hollows | Captures more sauce in each bite |
| Cheese Temperature | Allow Boursin to come to room temperature | Melts more evenly and quickly |
| Sauce Consistency | Use pasta water gradually | Provides control over final texture |
| Serving | Use warmed bowls | Keeps sauce from thickening too quickly |
When adding mix-ins like protein or vegetables, consider how their moisture content will affect the sauce. For instance, mushrooms release liquid when cooked, so you may need less pasta water when including them. Conversely, adding cooked chicken might require slightly more liquid to maintain the perfect consistency.
Make-Ahead Instructions
While Boursin Cheese Pasta is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, certain components can be prepared in advance for quicker assembly during busy weeknights.
For meal prep, you can:
- Cook pasta up to 1 day ahead: Toss with a small amount of olive oil after cooking, cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to use, bring to room temperature before adding to the sauce.
- Prepare add-ins in advance: Chop vegetables, cook proteins, and refrigerate separately for up to 2 days.
- Measure and prepare dry ingredients: Have cheeses grated and spices measured for quick assembly.
The complete dish can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving and kept at room temperature. To finish, simply warm over low heat with an additional splash of cream or pasta water to refresh the sauce’s consistency.
Pro tip: If making ahead, cook the pasta very al dente (2 minutes less than package instructions) since it will continue to absorb moisture and soften when reheated with the sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored, Boursin Cheese Pasta will maintain its quality for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, though the texture will be best on the first or second day.
To store leftovers:
- Allow pasta to cool completely but no longer than 2 hours at room temperature (food safety guidelines).
- Transfer to shallow, airtight containers to promote quick cooling and prevent bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Label container with the date to track freshness.
When reheating:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, cream, or water per cup of pasta.
- Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals at 70% power, stirring between each interval.
Pro tip: The sauce may appear separated when cold—this is normal! Gentle reheating while stirring will help recombine the ingredients and restore its creamy texture.
Freezing Boursin Cheese Pasta
While cream-based pasta dishes generally don’t freeze as well as tomato-based ones, Boursin Cheese Pasta can be frozen with some precautions to maintain acceptable quality.
For best freezing results:
- Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent mushiness upon reheating.
- Cool completely in the refrigerator before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- Leave some headspace in containers to allow for expansion.
- Freeze flat in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for quicker thawing.
- Label with date and contents; use within 1 month for best quality.
To thaw and reheat:
- Transfer from freezer to refrigerator for 24 hours before reheating.
- Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons cream or milk per serving.
- Stir very gently to prevent breaking the pasta.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and herbs to refresh flavors.
Pro tip: Consider freezing just the sauce if planning well ahead. Freshly cooked pasta combined with thawed sauce will yield significantly better results than freezing the complete dish.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Boursin Cheese Pasta into a complete meal with thoughtfully selected accompaniments that complement its creamy richness.
Ideal Side Dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan
- Roasted asparagus or broccolini with lemon zest
- Garlic bread or crusty sourdough for sauce-sopping
- Balsamic-glazed cherry tomatoes
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve in warmed, shallow bowls to keep the pasta hot longer
- Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and fresh herb garnish
- Add visual interest with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and lemon zest
- For entertaining, serve family-style in a large, shallow pasta bowl
Beverage Pairings:
- Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay
- Light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir
- Sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic option
- Botanical gin and tonic for a contrasting aperitif
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is still silky and warm. The ideal serving temperature is hot but not scalding, allowing the flavors to fully express themselves without burning the palate.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Boursin?
While Boursin’s unique herb blend and texture are ideal, you can substitute by mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs (parsley, chives, dill) and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. The flavor profile will differ slightly, but the texture will be similar.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Shapes that trap sauce work best, including fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, and farfalle. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, which can clump with this rich sauce. Bronze-die extruded pasta with a rough texture is ideal for sauce adhesion.
My sauce has become too thick. How can I fix it?
If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water while stirring over low heat until you reach the desired consistency. If you’ve already discarded the pasta water, warm cream or milk can work as alternatives.
Can I make this Boursin Cheese Pasta vegetarian or vegan?
The standard recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetarian Parmesan (some traditional Parmesans contain animal rennet). For a vegan version, use vegan versions of Boursin (now available in many markets), as well as plant-based cream and Parmesan alternatives. Add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
How can I add protein to this pasta dish?
Boursin Cheese Pasta pairs wonderfully with various proteins. Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or smoked salmon for traditional options. For vegetarian proteins, consider crispy tofu cubes, white beans, or peas. Add pre-cooked proteins at the same time as the Boursin cheese to warm through without overcooking.
