If you are craving a dish that combines indulgent creaminess with the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs, look no further than this Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe. It’s a quick, luscious dish that wraps tender pasta in a dreamy, herb-infused sauce made with the impossibly flavorful Boursin cheese. Whether you want a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends without fuss, this recipe is bursting with comforting taste and elegant simplicity that will have you reaching for seconds every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s amazing about this Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such a rich and satisfying experience. Each element plays an essential role — from the creamy Boursin cheese adding depth, to the fresh garlic and shallots building layers of flavor, and the pasta water helping the sauce cling perfectly to every strand.
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne): Choose a shape that will comfortably hold the sauce for an even bite.
- 5.2 oz Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese: This soft cheese is the star, offering bold herbal notes and a creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a lovely base flavor and helps sauté the onion and garlic gently.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and delicate texture to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A touch of sharpness that deepens the cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth and balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water: Essential for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it stick to the noodles.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente — tender yet with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that precious pasta water before draining; it’s a secret to a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every piece.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shallot
While your pasta is cooking, warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, letting them cook gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step awakens their flavors, transforming them into a fragrant, soft base that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Lower the heat and add the entire Boursin cheese along with the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts down into a smooth, luscious sauce. This moment is magical, as the creamy texture takes shape and the garlic-herb flavors become concentrated in every spoonful.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Next, mix in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. These ingredients add layers of depth and balance, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, stirring well to coat every strand. Slowly add your reserved pasta water bit by bit until the sauce reaches your desired consistency — whether you like it thicker or silkier. Cook together for another minute or two so the sauce sticks gloriously to the pasta.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your go-to garnish here — it adds a refreshing pop of color and a light herbal fragrance that beautifully contrasts with the richness of the pasta. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also lend a nutty finish if you want to amp up the cheesiness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, like a crisp arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables or crusty garlic bread also make fantastic companions, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, swirl the pasta onto individual plates into neat nests, then top with a sprig of parsley. Serve it in deep bowls with a scattering of toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto for texture contrast. Presentation becomes part of the experience, making it a dish that feels special every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe holds up nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken upon standing — just add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh its silkiness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, pack the pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently over low heat or in the microwave with small amounts of cream or milk to bring back that glorious creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid the sauce separating — it’ll taste almost as fresh as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work beautifully, you can use any pasta you love, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just keep in mind that sturdier shapes hold the creamy sauce better.
Is it okay to substitute Boursin with another cheese?
The unique flavor of Boursin really shines here, but if you’re in a pinch, a mix of cream cheese with garlic and herbs can be a decent substitute. However, the authentic flavor and texture come from using Boursin itself.
Can I add protein or vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or grilled chicken all make excellent additions that boost flavor and nutrition while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this pasta with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can easily omit or increase the amount to match your spice preference without changing the dish’s character.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written, especially if you avoid adding meat toppings. Just be sure your Parmesan cheese is suitable for vegetarians, since some cheeses use animal rennet.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe is truly a comfort food gem that feels luxurious yet comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing something special with friends, it’s a recipe to keep close and revisit often. Go ahead and try it—you won’t regret bringing such creamy, garlicky goodness to your table!
Print
Creamy Boursin 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Boursin pasta dish that combines the herby, garlicky flavor of Boursin cheese with smooth heavy cream and a touch of Parmesan, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 5.2 oz Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook 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 the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your preferred consistency.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the pasta in the sauce for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious, creamy pasta experience.
Notes
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or grilled chicken to make the dish heartier and add extra protein and flavor.
- Boursin cheese comes in a variety of flavors, so you can experiment with different types to customize the taste of this recipe.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining the pasta; it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and helps it stick better to the noodles.
- Cook garlic and shallot on medium heat carefully to avoid burning and bitterness.
