Boursin cheese pasta is a luxuriously creamy pasta dish featuring Boursin cheese, a soft, creamy French cheese known for its garlic and herb flavors.
This dish transforms simple pasta into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and effort.
The rich, velvety texture of Boursin cheese melts perfectly into a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, creating a comforting yet elegant dinner option that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
This Boursin cheese pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The creamy garlic and herb-infused sauce creates a silky texture that elevates ordinary pasta into something special.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time.
The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Base:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese (1 package)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Grilled chicken breast slices or sautéed shrimp
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and diced shallot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened but not browned.
- If using, add white wine and simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and add the full package of Boursin cheese, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Stir continuously until the cheese begins to melt, then gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Continue stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more pasta water.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss until pasta is evenly coated, adding any optional ingredients now (spinach, tomatoes, peas).
- If adding spinach or basil, toss just until wilted.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes more to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and for flavors to meld.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Cheese Selection: While Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs is the classic choice, you can experiment with other Boursin flavors like Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper.
- Pasta Choice: Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works beautifully with this creamy sauce, but shorter shapes like penne or rigatoni are excellent too.
- Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use half the amount of Boursin and supplement with a quarter cup of reserved pasta water mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Add protein like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers: The sauce may thicken when refrigerated. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its silky texture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 520 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and optional add-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boursin Cheese Pasta
Can I use a different type of cheese if I can’t find Boursin?
If Boursin is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of cream cheese (4 oz) blended with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, and thyme), 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the basic Boursin cheese pasta recipe is vegetarian. Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if strict vegetarian compliance is needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, you can pre-measure ingredients and have everything ready to go for quick assembly. If you must make it ahead, the sauce will thicken considerably when cooled, so you’ll need to reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
What herbs work best with this pasta?
Fresh basil, chives, parsley, and thyme complement the garlic and herb flavors in Boursin cheese beautifully. Add them at the end of cooking for the brightest flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Unfortunately, this specific recipe relies heavily on the creamy texture and flavor of Boursin cheese. While there are plant-based cream cheese alternatives, they won’t provide the same distinctive Boursin flavor.
Try These Related Cheese Pasta Recipes
Enjoy this luxuriously creamy Boursin cheese pasta that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience!
With its rich, garlicky flavor and silky texture, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your pasta recipe collection.
For the Pasta Base: Optional Add-ins:
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Notes