Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe: A Creamy and Easy Delight
Boursin cheese pasta combines rich, creamy cheese with fresh, flavorful ingredients, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive. This recipe is perfect for quick dinners and is sure to delight your loved ones. Moreover, its sophisticated flavor elevates it to a level worthy of any special occasion.
What Makes Boursin Cheese Special?
Originating in Normandy, Boursin cheese is celebrated for its smooth texture and bold flavors, especially the garlic and herb variety. Its versatility makes it ideal for various dishes, including pasta. For example, you can use it in recipes like this creamy Alfredo sauce with cream cheese, which is another crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
To make this delicious Boursin cheese pasta, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 2 packages (5.2 oz each) of Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor recommended).
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes.
- 10-16 oz of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti).
- 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Red chili flakes.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional spinach).
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
If you’re exploring other cheesy dishes, you might also enjoy this classic recipe for Velveeta mac and cheese, which is always a family favorite.
How to Prepare Boursin Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Bake the Cheese and Tomatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes around the Boursin cheese. Next, drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili flakes. Bake the dish for 30-35 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the cheese to melt perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the cheese and tomatoes are in the oven, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to add salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to use for the sauce, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once the cheese and tomatoes are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon to gently mash the tomatoes, releasing their juices and blending them with the melted cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta along with the reserved pasta water, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Finally, toss in fresh basil, optional spinach, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to finish the dish.
Tips and Variations
- To achieve a creamier sauce, use less pasta.
- Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed version.
- If you’re looking for a side dish, try baking this easy cottage cheese bread, which pairs wonderfully with this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, and spaghetti are excellent choices, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work.
Can I substitute Boursin cheese?
Although Boursin cheese is unmatched in flavor, garlic and herb cream cheese can be a reasonable alternative.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Boursin cheese pasta is a versatile recipe that combines ease of preparation with rich, satisfying flavors. If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, don’t miss out on other delightful recipes like these cottage cheese wraps. Give it a try and share your results with friends and family!