Imagine twirling a forkful of velvety, creamy pasta infused with the savory goodness of Boursin cheese.
This Boursin Chicken Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner!
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this dish will wow your taste buds with its simplicity and gourmet flavor.
We’ll guide you step by step to create a rich, cheesy pasta dish that pairs tender chicken with the herbaceous magic of Boursin cheese.
Ready to elevate your dinner game?
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy delight:
- Chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boursin cheese – Garlic & Herb flavor works best, but any variety will do.
- Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for added depth of flavor.
- Heavy cream – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Chicken broth – To thin the sauce slightly and enhance flavor.
- Olive oil – For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper – To season the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Add chicken broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir well.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Boursin Chicken Pasta
- Preventing Sauce Curdling: Keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese to avoid separation.
- Choosing the Right Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- Balancing Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference.
Variations and Add-Ons
Add Vegetables:
- Toss in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Change the Protein:
- Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a delicious twist.
Make It Spicy:
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Boursin Chicken Pasta is versatile and pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. You can find our salad recipes here.
- Warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini.
- For more side dishes click here.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while Boursin cheese is recommended for its unique flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese or goat cheese and add your favorite herbs to mimic the taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store them separately and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer to reduce.
Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta
Boursin Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s bound to become a household favorite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce infused with Boursin cheese, this recipe delivers gourmet flavor in just 30 minutes.Customize it with your favorite veggies or protein swaps, and enjoy a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
- 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese Garlic & Herb flavor
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ons:
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- Add chicken broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Stir well.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Serve and Garnish
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.