If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes with a rich, herby, and garlicky flavor, you’re in for a treat with these Boursin Chicken Pasta recipes. The star ingredient, Boursin cheese, takes this dish to a whole new level by creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, these recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Boursin Chicken Pasta, featuring three different variations to suit every taste.
What is Boursin Chicken Pasta?
Boursin Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish featuring Boursin cheese, a French, spreadable, garlic and herb-infused cheese that transforms into a velvety sauce when melted. The cheese is paired with chicken and pasta, creating a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and herby flavor profile, Boursin chicken pasta brings the essence of gourmet French cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort.
This recipe can be adapted in several ways, depending on the ingredients you have on hand or your flavor preferences. The Boursin cheese serves as the key ingredient, providing a creamy texture and a burst of flavor, whether you’re making it with classic chicken, vegetables, or tomatoes.
Origin of Boursin Chicken Pasta
Boursin cheese originated in France in the 1950s and quickly became a household staple for its creamy texture and delightful blend of garlic and herbs. The cheese was developed by François Boursin, a French cheese maker, and is now beloved worldwide. While Boursin Chicken Pasta is a relatively modern creation, its roots lie in the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine.
In recent years, Boursin has been incorporated into various pasta dishes, turning traditional creamy sauces into something extraordinary. The creamy, garlicky flavor of the cheese pairs perfectly with chicken and vegetables, making it a versatile and popular choice for a wide range of pasta recipes.
Classic Boursin Chicken Pasta Recipe
This classic version of Boursin Chicken Pasta is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the creamy richness of Boursin cheese in a pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create sauce: Add chicken broth and Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
One-Pan Boursin Chicken Pasta with Vegetables Recipe
For a hearty and healthy twist, this one-pan Boursin Chicken Pasta with Vegetables combines chicken, vegetables, and creamy Boursin cheese all in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (garlic & herb)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown chicken pieces on all sides for 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add pasta directly to the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create sauce: Stir in Boursin cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
- Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and frozen peas. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and serve.
Boursin Tomato Pasta with Chicken Recipe
This recipe takes the classic Boursin chicken pasta up a notch by adding sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creating a delightful burst of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken: Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Brown chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown for 5-6 minutes.
- Add tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes begin to burst.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
- Deglaze: Add white wine (if using) and reduce it by half.
- Create sauce: Add chicken broth and Boursin cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and spinach. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Finish: Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Recipe Description & Cooking Tips
Key Characteristics:
- Rich, creamy texture: The Boursin cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, creating a velvety, luxurious finish.
- Herby, garlicky flavor: The signature Boursin seasoning blend adds a burst of flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Quick and easy: Most recipes can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile base: You can add various vegetables or protein sources to customize the dish to your liking.
- Restaurant-quality results: The dish delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.
Essential Cooking Tips:
- Room temperature Boursin: Allow the cheese to soften before using it. This helps it melt more smoothly into the sauce.
- Avoid boiling: Gentle simmering is key to keeping the cheese from separating or curdling.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
- Add Boursin gradually: Whisk the cheese into the sauce slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or chives can brighten up the dish and complement the creamy sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken, chicken thighs, or even shrimp.
- Pasta shapes: Penne, fusilli, fettuccine, and rigatoni all work well.
- Boursin flavors: Try switching to other varieties like tomato & basil or pepper.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli are great additions.
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a slightly lighter option.
One-Pot vs. Traditional Method:
- One-pot method: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows for deeper flavor integration and fewer dishes.
- Traditional method: Cooking the pasta separately offers more control over the texture but requires an extra pot.
- Time consideration: The one-pot method is quicker but may need a bit more attention.
- Texture difference: The traditional method often yields better pasta texture.
Variations of Boursin Chicken Pasta
There are countless ways to customize Boursin Chicken Pasta to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Boursin Pasta: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or artichokes.
- Boursin Shrimp Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Boursin Chicken Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Boursin Bacon Pasta: Add crispy bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
- While Boursin is the star of this dish, you can substitute it with a soft cream cheese or herbed goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
3. Can I freeze Boursin Chicken Pasta?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately. Be aware that the texture of the sauce may change once frozen and thawed.
Conclusion
Boursin Chicken Pasta is a delectable, creamy dish that brings the richness of French cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you’re making the classic version, a one-pan dish with vegetables, or a flavorful tomato-based variation, the key ingredient—Boursin cheese—makes every bite indulgent. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion. Enjoy the creamy goodness of Boursin in every bite!
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Complete Boursin Chicken Pasta Recipes: Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Boursin Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish featuring Boursin cheese, a French, spreadable, garlic and herb-infused cheese that transforms into a velvety sauce when melted. The cheese is paired with chicken and pasta, creating a comforting, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and herby flavor profile, Boursin chicken pasta brings the essence of gourmet French cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
-
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
-
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic & herb cheese
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
2 cups baby spinach
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
-
Season chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
-
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
-
Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Create sauce: Add chicken broth and Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
-
Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
-
Combine: Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well-coated.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
This creamy Boursin chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. You can customize it by adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and taste. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: American–Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Garlic & Herb Chicken Pasta, Creamy Boursin Pasta, Boursin Cheese Pasta
