Boursin Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Boursin Pasta is a one-pot dinner that melts a wheel of garlic-herb cheese straight into hot pasta water for an instant creamy sauce. It's the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever reached for a jar of alfredo.
You'll need just pasta, Boursin cheese, and a splash of pasta water, ready in about 20 minutes for a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday. Save it for later!
| Prep | Cook | Total | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 min | 15 min | 20 min | 4 servings | Medium |
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One pot magic: everything cooks in a single pan, so cleanup takes minutes.
- Five ingredients: no long grocery list, just pantry basics and a cheese wheel.
- Ready in 20 minutes: faster than most takeout deliveries.
- Kid approved: the garlic-herb flavor is mild enough for picky eaters.
- Easy to dress up: add shrimp, chicken, or vegetables without changing the method.
Boursin Pasta Ingredients
- Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor) melts into a smooth, tangy sauce; any soft herbed cheese spread works as a substitute.
- Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce in its ridges; spaghetti works too if that's what you have.
- Pasta water (starchy, reserved before draining) loosens the cheese into a silky sauce without needing cream.
- Garlic, minced fresh, boosts the flavor Boursin already carries.
- Chicken broth adds depth; vegetable broth keeps it meatless.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, bring brightness and a little acidity, similar to the tomatoes in our Cherry Tomato Pasta with Burrata.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for color and a fresh finish.
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for extra savoriness and a sharper edge.
See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
Ways to Change It Up
- Add protein: stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, seared shrimp, or crumbled beef sausage for a heartier plate.
- Go green: toss in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms, similar to our Creamy Mushroom Pasta.
- Turn up the heat: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of our Spicy Marinara Sauce Recipe adds a kick.
- Lighten it: swap half the Boursin for plain Greek yogurt to cut richness while keeping the tang.
- Slow cooker version: combine broth, garlic, and uncooked pasta in a slow cooker, then stir in the Boursin during the last 15 minutes.
How to Make Boursin Pasta
- Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes, then scoop out a cup of the starchy water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
- Melt the cheese by crumbling the Boursin into the pan with a half cup of pasta water, stirring until it turns into a smooth, pale sauce.
- Combine everything by adding the drained pasta and cherry tomatoes, tossing until every piece is coated and the tomatoes just start to soften.
- Adjust the texture with more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce clings loosely and coats a spoon.
- Finish and serve with fresh herbs, a grind of black pepper, and extra Parmesan on top.
Pro Tips from Our Kitchen
- Save the pasta water: this is the step people skip, and it's the one that turns clumpy cheese into a smooth sauce.
- Keep the heat low when melting the Boursin; high heat can make it grainy instead of silky.
- Undercook the pasta slightly, since it keeps cooking in the sauce and will turn mushy if boiled all the way.
- Taste before salting: Boursin is already seasoned, so add salt at the end, not before.
- Warm your bowls: this sauce thickens fast once it cools, so serve it right away.
What to Serve With It
A simple green salad or garlic bread rounds things out nicely. For a heartier spread, pair it with our Caprese Dip as a starter, or serve alongside Tomato & Basil White Beans for extra protein and fiber. Roasted vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad also balance the richness of the sauce well.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing isn't ideal since the cheese sauce can separate, but if you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring until the sauce comes back together, about 5 minutes.
Boursin Pasta FAQ
Can I use a different flavor of Boursin?
Yes, the shallot & chive or cracked pepper varieties both work well and just shift the flavor slightly.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger pot and keep extra pasta water on hand since doubled sauce needs more liquid to loosen.
Do I need any special equipment?
No, a regular pot and a large skillet or sauté pan are all you need to make this dish from start to finish.
Boursin Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring so it doesn't burn.
- Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and let it warm through for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Melt the Boursin: Crumble the Boursin cheese into the pan along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth, pale sauce.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, tossing until everything is evenly coated and the tomatoes just start to soften.
- Adjust the sauce: Add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta loosely and clings to a spoon without feeling thick.
- Season to taste: Taste the pasta and add salt and black pepper as needed, keeping in mind the Boursin is already seasoned.
- Finish and serve: Top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while the sauce is still silky and warm.
More Recipes You'll Love
- Best Boursin Chicken Recipe: another way to use that garlic-herb cheese, this time with juicy chicken breasts.
- Mushroom Risotto: for another creamy, comforting dinner that comes together in one pan.
- Greek Chickpea Pasta Salad: a cold, bright pasta option for warmer days.
- Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: The Easy Fall Dinner Everyone Craves: another quick, creamy pasta dinner for busy nights.
