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Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Boursin Pasta is a quick, 30-minute dish that combines rich, garlicky cheese with pasta for an easy yet elegant meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz 340g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work great)
  • 1 package 5.2 oz/150g Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs or your preferred flavor)
  • 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup 120ml pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional, for a burst of freshness)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula optional, for added greens
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Add Veggies (Optional): If using cherry tomatoes and spinach, add them to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spinach wilts slightly.
  4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir until it begins to melt. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy Boursin sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
  6. Season and Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for sprinkling.

Notes

  • Choose Your Pasta: Long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works beautifully with the creamy sauce, but short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle holds the sauce well too.
  • Customize It: Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier dish. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms also pair wonderfully.
  • Control the Consistency: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce texture. Add it gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce.