If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, Boursin Pasta is a perfect choice. This recipe uses the rich, creamy Boursin garlic and herb cheese combined with cream cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, all baked into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this dish brings comfort and elegance together effortlessly.
Why You’ll Want to Make Boursin Pasta
There’s something about a creamy pasta sauce that feels like a warm hug, and Boursin Pasta offers just that with a fresh, vibrant twist. The combination of the soft, melted cheeses with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes creates a sauce that’s both indulgent and balanced. It’s easy to put together, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible—you can add greens like spinach or customize toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients to Get Started with Boursin Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking this delicious meal. Every ingredient is simple and easy to find, making this recipe a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 5 whole garlic cloves (peeled)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus extra to taste)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5.2 ounces Boursin garlic & herb cheese (one package)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (half a block)
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite medium pasta)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves, lightly chopped (about 3 ounces)
For topping: grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley
How to Make Your Boursin Pasta Step-by-Step
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish roughly 9 by 13 inches, combine the cherry tomatoes, whole garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything so the tomatoes and garlic are well coated with the oil and spices.
Make a little space in the middle of the dish and place the Boursin cheese and cream cheese there. Nestle the cheeses among the tomatoes and garlic to allow for even melting.
Bake the mixture for about 30 to 35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and become soft, and the garlic is tender.
While the cheese and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Once the baking is done, use a fork to mash the softened tomatoes and garlic gently into a sauce. Stir in the lemon juice and baby spinach, allowing the greens to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.
Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine. Then pour in the drained pasta and toss everything so the noodles are evenly coated. Add more pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice as needed.
Serve your pasta sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
How to Serve Boursin Pasta for Maximum Enjoyment
This pasta works beautifully as a hearty main dish on its own thanks to the rich cheese sauce and fresh vegetables. To elevate the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread. The creaminess of the pasta pairs well with bright, fresh flavors, so consider a light vinaigrette on the side. For a special occasion or family dinner, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs to impress your guests visually and in taste.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Boursin Pasta Every Time
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes whenever possible; their natural sweetness enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water—it helps to loosen the sauce so it coats your pasta beautifully without becoming runny.
- For extra flavor, try roasting the garlic cloves a little longer for a sweeter, mellow garlic taste.
- If you want to add some greens but don’t like spinach, baby kale or arugula work well too. Add them at the end so they just wilt without losing their texture.
- Taste as you go with salt and lemon juice. The acidity brightens the rich cheese sauce and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
How to Store Your Boursin Pasta Properly
If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, and warm gently on the stove or microwave to keep the creamy texture intact. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cheese to separate.
Variations to Make This Boursin Pasta Your Own
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or even shrimp to boost protein and flavor. For a vegan twist, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Swap penne for gluten-free pasta if needed, or try different herbs like fresh basil or thyme instead of Italian seasoning. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce adds a nice kick. The recipe’s flexibility means you can get creative while keeping the core creamy tomato and cheese flavors intact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boursin Pasta
What makes Boursin cheese special for this pasta?
Boursin cheese is a creamy, soft cheese flavored with garlic and herbs, which melts beautifully and infuses the sauce with rich, savory notes that make this dish stand out.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti according to your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as rice or corn-based noodles, without changing the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tomato and cheese sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, cook the pasta fresh and combine before serving.
How do I make the sauce less thick?
Adding reserved pasta water in small amounts helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and flavorful.
Boursin Pasta
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 5 whole garlic cloves peeled
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus extra to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus extra to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5.2 ounces Boursin garlic & herb cheese one package
- 4 ounces cream cheese half a block
- 8 ounces penne pasta or your favorite medium pasta
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus extra to taste
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves lightly chopped (about 3 ounces)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Chopped parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Make space in the middle and place Boursin and cream cheese there. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until tomatoes burst and garlic is tender.
- While baking, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water before draining.
- Once baking is done, mash tomatoes and garlic into a sauce. Stir in lemon juice and spinach, allowing spinach to wilt.
- Add ½ cup reserved pasta water to sauce, then pour in drained pasta and toss to coat. Add more water if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.