Save It This creamy, herby baked Boursin pasta takes humble cherry tomatoes and turns them into a luxurious sauce with just a handful of ingredients. It is my go-to when I want something crowd-pleasing and gorgeously simple, with hardly any hands-on work. Every bite brings out layers of roasted garlic, sweet tomatoes, and velvety Boursin cheese that feels restaurant-worthy.
The first time I made this, I could not believe how a tub of Boursin and a tray of cherry tomatoes transformed into such a good sauce. My husband still requests this every time tomatoes are abundant, and now it is a regular in our house.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: The juiciest and sweetest tomatoes are the star. Look for plump and glossy tomatoes with firm skins for the best flavor
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings bold flavor depth. Avoid pre-peeled or jarred garlic for the best result
- Olive oil: Go for extra virgin olive oil for the richest taste and easiest roasting
- Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a pop of color. Choose leaves that are vibrant green without black spots
- Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese: This creamy spread melts with the tomatoes into a luscious sauce. Always check the cheese for its freshest date and a soft, fragrant texture
- Dried pasta: Short shapes hold the sauce beautifully. Fusilli or penne are classic picks, and a bronze-cut variety will grab even more sauce
- Sea salt and black pepper: Start with the recipe amount and taste at the end for balance
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for a gentle kick of heat. Crushed flakes should be vivid in color for maximum flavor
Instructions
- Preheat and prep the vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to a hot 200 degrees Celsius. Rinse cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat dry. Mince your garlic as finely as possible to release those flavorful oils
- Season and arrange in baking dish:
- Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in a large baking dish that gives them room. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle over the minced garlic and season with sea salt and black pepper. Toss everything gently with clean hands until the tomatoes are beautifully coated in oil and the garlic is spread throughout. You can sprinkle in red pepper flakes here if you want a little extra warmth
- Nestle in the Boursin cheese:
- Make a space in the center of your tomatoes and carefully place the whole round of Boursin cheese in the middle. This will soften and lightly crust as it bakes
- Bake until bursting:
- Slide the dish onto the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The cheese should turn softly golden and the tomatoes should be collapsing and blistered. If they need a few extra minutes, let them go until juicy and bubbling
- Cook the pasta and reserve water:
- While the tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions until shy of fully tender. Scoop out a coffee mug of the starchy pasta water before draining because this liquid is magic for creamy sauces
- Combine to make sauce:
- When the dish comes out of the oven, use a sturdy spoon to mash and stir the softened Boursin straight into the tomatoes. As you stir, the sauce will thicken and all the roasted flavors will mingle with the cheese
- Add pasta and finish:
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Fold and toss everything gently until every piece of pasta is glossy and well coated. Add extra pasta water bit by bit if needed to achieve a silky sauce
- Add herbs and taste:
- Scatter in your chopped basil, reserving a little for garnish. Give the dish one last toss then taste for salt and pepper. Finish with another drizzle of olive oil if you like
- Serve hot and enjoy:
- Serve the baked Boursin pasta straight from the dish, garnished with more fresh basil for freshness and color
Save It My favorite part is that burst of creamy cheese and herby tomato on each forkful. The first time my family tried this, even my most cheese-skeptical child was hooked and asked for seconds. This pasta has found a home at both our lazy Sundays and our celebratory dinners.
Storage Tips
Store leftover baked Boursin pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a spoonful of water or milk before microwaving or warming gently on the stove to restore its original saucy texture. This pasta is at its best within a day or two but still tastes delicious as a packed lunch or quick dinner.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in goat cheese or herby cream cheese if Boursin is unavailable but the flavor will be different. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully for a wheat-free option simply cook it slightly less so it keeps its shape. If you want an extra punch add lemon zest or a spoonful of sun-dried tomato paste to brighten the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a fuller meal. For extra protein, top the dish with grilled chicken seared mushrooms or roasted chickpeas. This sauce also pairs well with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini stirred through at the end.
Cultural and Historical Context
Creamy baked cheese pasta has roots in Italian and French kitchens but this viral version became a modern classic due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. Boursin itself is a classic French cheese originally enjoyed with crusty bread but it melts beautifully into pasta dishes like this. Over time, the method of baking cheese with tomatoes has caught on in kitchens around the world.
Seasonal Adaptations
Use peak summer tomatoes for the best sweetness Swap basil for parsley or chives in cooler months Roast a handful of bell peppers with the tomatoes for a deeper flavor
Success Stories
I have served this to friends who declared themselves tomato skeptics and still watched them go back for seconds. It is a hit with picky kids and a reliable back-pocket recipe when you want to impress but do not want to fuss. One reader even told me she made this for an anniversary dinner and her partner now requests it every year.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze this dish, make the sauce as directed without stirring in the pasta. Cool the tomato and Boursin sauce completely then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat with a splash of water, and toss freshly cooked pasta through before serving. This method keeps the pasta from turning mushy and lets you enjoy summertime flavors even in winter.
Save It This baked Boursin pasta is fuss-free but totally luxurious and sure to please everyone at your table. Make it once and you will see why it becomes a fridge staple for quick comfort food.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use another cheese besides Boursin?
Creamy, herb-rich cheeses such as garlic and herb cream cheese or goat cheese may be substituted for similar texture and flavor.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu can be added after baking for extra protein without overpowering the flavors.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, fusilli, and similar short pastas absorb the creamy sauce well, though you may experiment with your preferred shape.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Ensure the Boursin cheese selected is also gluten-free by checking its label.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Yes, try incorporating baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or other vegetables right after mixing in pasta for more variety and nutrition.