Boursin Cheese Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that's made with tender chicken breasts, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a garlicky Boursin cheese sauce. This creamy pasta comes together in just 20 minutes and is the perfect meal for busy weeknights!
Pasta is a staple in our family's dinner rotation, making an appearance at least once a week. (See my favorite crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, this marry me chicken pasta, this easy frozen ravioli lasagna, and my guide for making the BEST Mac And Cheese Bar for other winning pasta recipes!) It's such a versatile dish and can be made fast, which is why I love it. And while we typically gravitate toward a tomato or oil-based sauce, this new Boursin cheese pasta has made me rethink my pasta game. It's an easy trick to give your pasta sauce tons of flavor and takes almost no time at all to make. My whole family loves this recipe, and for good reason. I can't wait to share this deliciously cheesy pasta recipe with you!
Why This Recipe Works
This easy Boursin pasta recipe works for several good reasons:
- The cheese sauce! There are lots of varieties of Boursin cheese, but I love using the Boursin garlic and herb cheese for this simple recipe, which melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to every single piece of pasta. It offers a rich, garlicky flavor (LOVE!) that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Simple ingredients. This pasta uses pretty simple ingredients, which makes it easy to throw together. You likely have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen!
- Quick and easy prep. You guys know I'm all about making things easy. This recipe involves just minutes of active prep time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
- Versatile and adaptable. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch up the protein, veggies, the type of pasta, and even the variety of Boursin cheese you use. It's a great base for adding your favorite flavors.
Key Ingredients
Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this easy pasta recipe (see full ingredients list in the recipe card below).
- Pasta. Any pasta shape works well in this recipe, but I recommend a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- Chicken breasts or tenders. I used diced chicken tenders here as the protein, but you could also use thighs or regular chicken breasts.
- Cherry tomatoes. I found some perfect, fresh little cherry tomatoes for this dish, which added a great burst of sweetness to the recipe. You can use grape tomatoes if you can't find cherry tomatoes.
- Garlic and herb Boursin cheese. This soft cheese melts effortlessly into the sauce, creating a creamy, garlicky base that's impossible to resist.
- Heavy cream. Used to enhance the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Baby spinach. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, freshness, and a boost of nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese. More cheese? Why not! I love adding a touch of finely grated Parmesan cheese here, which adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes. This is optional, but I love adding red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat. For a little kick of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta
Making this easy Boursin tomato pasta is a cinch. Here's what to do:
- Cook the pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This will be used if you want to thicken the sauce a bit toward the end.
- Prepare the chicken. In a large skillet (or the same pot you used to cook the pasta) heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Make the sauce. Lower the heat and add the Boursin cheese (cut into quarters for easier melting) to the pan. Stir until the cheese has melted and forms a creamy sauce. If you feel your sauce is too thin, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thicken the sauce as needed. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. The starches from the pasta water will help to thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate spinach and pasta. Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until slightly wilted. Then, add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the creamy Boursin cheese sauce.
- Finish with seasonings and cheese. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Top with freshly shredded parmesan cheese and toss gently. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
There are so many ways to make this dish your own!
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, or caramelized onions for a hearty vegetarian pasta dish.
- Swap the chicken. Swap the chicken with Italian sausage, shrimp, or even chickpeas or beans for a different protein option.
- Add some extra veggies. Add vegetables like fresh basil, fresh parsley, fresh garlic, red onion, or sweet onions to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Change up the tomatoes. I love the little cherry tomatoes used here, but sun-dried tomatoes also work really well in this dish.
- Change up the cheese. I love the garlic and herb variety of Boursin cheese with this pasta, but there are several flavors to choose from if you want to mix it up. If you don't have Boursin cheese, try cream cheese, feta cheese, or a mix of both for a different twist. Add in some of the different herbs or veggies listed above to create your own flavors!
- Add a splash of acid. A squeeze of lemon juice or white wine can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- Spice it up! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili flakes to amp up the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the Boursin cheese pasta recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little pasta water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great for this recipe because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any favorite pasta you have on hand.
I'd recommend enjoying this one fresh. Technically, you could freeze it, although freezing will change the texture of the sauce, and it won't be as creamy and delicious.
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for an easy meal.
This flavorful pasta is one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners! If you try this Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta, let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me @frontrangefed on Instagram with a pic - I love to see your creations!
More Easy Weeknight Pasta Dinners
- Black Truffle Pasta
- Easy Baked Seafood Pasta
- One Pot French Onions Soup Pasta
- Fast Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Pasta E Ceci
- Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Frozen Cheese Ravioli Lasagna
- Easy Pasta With Pancetta And Peas
Recipe
Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe With Tomato and Chicken
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts or tenders diced
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes sliced in half if large
- 5.3 oz garlic and herb Boursin cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach about a handful
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and boil the pasta, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the chicken. Add the olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and heated through.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Add the block of Boursin cheese to the pan (you may wish to cut this into quarters to help it melt evenly. Cook over low heat until the cheese has melted.
- Add 1-2 tablespoon of the pasta water. Continue cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the baby spinach and stir into the sauce until slightly wilted.
- Add the pasta to the pan and toss to coat. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes, salt and pepper over the top and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese over the top and stir. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with additional parmesan cheese.
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Evan says
Loved this! So creamy and deliciously cheesy! Can't wait to make this again.
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you Evan!