Exquisite Boursin Cheese Pasta

This luxurious Boursin cheese pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. The creamy, herb-infused sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly, creating a comforting yet elegant meal that feels special even on busy weeknights.

I first created this dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed something impressive yet effortless for unexpected dinner guests. The rave reviews convinced me to add it to my regular rotation, and it's now my most requested recipe when friends ask for cooking advice.

Ingredients

• Pasta preferably a shape that catches sauce well such as fettuccine, penne, or farfalle
• Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese the star ingredient that provides amazing flavor without any extra work
• Heavy cream creates the silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent
• Butter adds richness and helps create the base for the sauce
• Fresh garlic intensifies the flavors already present in the Boursin cheese
• Pasta water the secret ingredient that helps the sauce cling to the pasta
• Parmesan cheese adds depth and saltiness that balances the creaminess
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish both visually and flavor wise
• Black pepper freshly ground provides the best flavor and subtle heat
• Red pepper flakes optional but wonderful for adding a gentle warmth to the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add enough salt to make it taste like the ocean. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente following package instructions. Before draining, carefully reserve a half cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold will help create a silky sauce that perfectly adheres to your pasta.

Create the Sauce Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam slightly but not brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 90 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You want the garlic fragrant but not colored, as burned garlic will ruin the delicate flavors of this dish. The aroma filling your kitchen will be intoxicating.

Develop the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it warm for about a minute, stirring occasionally. Add the Boursin cheese, breaking it into smaller pieces as you drop it into the pan. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, watching as the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety mixture. The herbs in the Boursin will distribute throughout, creating beautiful flecks of green in your sauce.

Combine and Perfect

Add your cooked pasta directly to the sauce pan. Pour in about half of your reserved pasta water and toss everything together using tongs or two large spoons. The starchy water will help emulsify the sauce, creating a perfect consistency that clings to every bite. If the sauce seems too thick, add more pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Touches

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, continuing to toss until the cheese melts into the sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt only if necessary as the cheeses already contribute saltiness. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

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The Boursin cheese is truly what makes this recipe special. While many creamy pasta recipes require reducing heavy cream or creating a roux, this cheese melts into a perfect sauce consistency with minimal effort. I once made this for my Italian neighbor who guards her family recipes closely, and even she asked for the details of this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. The sauce will have thickened considerably in the refrigerator, so the additional liquid helps restore its silky texture. Microwaving is possible but may result in uneven heating and a slightly separated sauce.

Easy Variations

This recipe serves as an excellent base for customization. For protein, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta cooked before starting the sauce. For vegetables, spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Simply fold them in toward the end of cooking. You can also experiment with different Boursin cheese flavors such as Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper for subtle variations on the base recipe.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Serve this rich pasta with a crisp, cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creaminess. A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich main course. For a complete meal, add garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. This combination creates a balanced dining experience that feels special enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight cooking.

Boursin Cheese Basics

If you're new to cooking with Boursin, this soft French cheese comes in a distinctive foil-wrapped package and is available in most grocery stores near the specialty cheeses. Its soft, spreadable texture makes it perfect for melting into sauces. While the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety works best in this recipe, don't hesitate to try other flavors. The cheese has a relatively short shelf life once opened, so plan to use any remaining cheese within a week on crackers, in omelets, or for another batch of this addictive pasta.

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Pro Tips

Common Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, while Boursin provides the signature herby flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with your favorite herbs and a touch of garlic powder. Goat cheese or mascarpone can also work well, though each will create a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Why is reserving pasta water important?

Pasta water is essential because it contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It also helps adjust the consistency of the sauce - if it's too thick, adding pasta water thins it while maintaining creaminess better than plain water would.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. If you need to prepare ahead, consider cooking the pasta slightly under al dente, then refrigerating it separately from the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add a splash of cream or pasta water, then combine with the reheated pasta.

→ What can I add to make this dish more substantial?

For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta. For vegetables, spinach, peas, roasted cherry tomatoes, or asparagus complement the creamy flavors beautifully. Simply fold them in when combining the pasta with the sauce.

→ Is there a lighter version of this pasta dish?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, use light Boursin cheese if available, and increase the ratio of pasta water to create a silky sauce with less fat. Adding extra vegetables also creates a more balanced meal with fewer calories per serving.

→ What wines pair well with Boursin cheese pasta?

This rich, creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp white wines that can cut through the richness. Try a Pinot Grigio, unoaked Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red wine, opt for something light like a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.