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Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. This incredibly creamy and flavorful dish combines the rich, herbed goodness of Boursin cheese with perfectly roasted tomatoes and tender pasta. The magic happens in the oven, where the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-dish convenience that requires minimal prep work and creates less cleanup for busy weeknights
- Rich, creamy texture from melted Boursin cheese that creates an instant gourmet sauce without complicated steps
- Fresh herbs and garlic flavors that infuse throughout the dish during the baking process
- Customizable recipe that works with various pasta shapes and additional vegetables based on your preferences
- Perfect for entertaining guests as it looks impressive but requires only basic cooking skills
Why This Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe Works
The genius behind this recipe lies in its simplicity and technique. Boursin cheese melts beautifully when baked, creating a naturally creamy base without heavy cream or complicated roux preparation. The high-quality herbs already infused in the cheese eliminate the need for extensive seasoning.
Roasting cherry tomatoes alongside the cheese concentrates their natural sweetness while releasing juices that blend with the melted cheese. This creates a balanced sauce that’s neither too rich nor too acidic. The reserved pasta water contains starches that help bind everything together seamlessly.
The 375-degree temperature ensures gentle melting without breaking the cheese or burning the delicate herbs. This moderate heat also caramelizes the tomatoes perfectly, developing deep flavors that complement the creamy cheese base.
What You’ll Need for Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Herb) | 2 packages (5.2 oz each) | Creates creamy base sauce with herb flavoring |
| Cherry or Grape Tomatoes | 2 pints | Adds sweetness and acidity balance |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3-4 tablespoons | Helps roasting and prevents sticking |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves, minced | Enhances aromatic flavor profile |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds subtle heat and complexity |
| Pasta | 10-16 ounces | Main carbohydrate base for the dish |
| Fresh Basil | 1/4 cup (6 leaves) | Fresh herb finish and color contrast |
| Fresh Baby Spinach | 1 cup, chopped (optional) | Adds nutrition and vibrant color |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, freshly grated | Extra richness and sharp flavor accent |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 Baking Dish | Perfect size for roasting cheese and tomatoes evenly |
| Large Pot | Boiling pasta water and cooking pasta properly |
| Colander | Draining cooked pasta while reserving water |
| Measuring Cups | Accurate ingredient portioning for best results |
| Sharp Knife | Mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs |
| Large Spoon | Mixing pasta with sauce and serving |
How to Make Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Oven | Preheat oven to 375°F. Place Boursin cheese rounds and cherry tomatoes in 9×13 baking dish. |
| 2. Season | Drizzle olive oil over cheese and tomatoes. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. |
| 3. Bake | Roast in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and cheese melts completely. |
| 4. Cook Pasta | Meanwhile, boil salted water in large pot. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. |
| 5. Reserve Water | Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Drain pasta thoroughly. |
| 6. Combine | Add drained pasta to baking dish with roasted mixture. Toss with reserved pasta water. |
| 7. Finish | Sprinkle fresh basil, spinach (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne, rigatoni, or shells to hold the creamy sauce better
- Don’t skip the pasta water – its starch content helps bind the sauce and prevents it from separating
- Pierce larger tomatoes with a fork before baking to prevent them from bursting too violently in the oven
- Let the Boursin cheese come to room temperature before baking for more even melting and smoother sauce
- Add delicate herbs like basil only at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor
Serving and Storage Tips for Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Serving Tips
Serve this Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta immediately while the cheese sauce is still creamy and warm. The dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty bread works wonderfully for soaking up any extra sauce.
For entertaining, you can prepare the roasted cheese and tomato base ahead of time and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of good olive oil for an elegant presentation.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. The sauce may thicken when cold, so adding liquid helps bring back the original consistency.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Overcooking the pasta is a common mistake that results in mushy texture. Cook pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce. Always taste-test a piece before draining.
Using too high oven temperature can cause the cheese to break or become grainy instead of smooth and creamy. Stick to 375°F for gentle, even melting that preserves the cheese’s luxurious texture.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water leaves you without the crucial binding agent that makes the sauce silky. The starchy water helps emulsify the cheese and prevents the sauce from becoming oily or separated.
Adding fresh herbs too early causes them to wilt and lose their vibrant color. Save delicate herbs like basil for the final toss to maintain their fresh appearance and bright flavor impact.
You Must Know
- Boursin cheese can be substituted with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs if unavailable
- The dish reheats better when slightly underdone initially, as the pasta continues absorbing sauce during storage
- Different pasta shapes require different cooking times, so always follow package directions rather than assuming timing
- Fresh Parmesan cheese melts and incorporates better than pre-grated versions, creating a smoother final texture
Suggestions for Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta
Transform this basic recipe by adding protein like grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp. For vegetarian options, try roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms alongside the tomatoes.
Experiment with different Boursin flavors such as pepper or shallot and chive varieties. Each brings unique taste profiles that complement the tomatoes differently. You can also mix two different flavors for more complexity.
For similar creamy pasta dishes, try this 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta or explore more Boursin recipes like Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta. For heartier meals, consider this Ultimate Chicken Casserole or try Easy Boursin Chicken Pasta Recipe for more protein-rich options.
FAQs:
You can prepare the roasted cheese and tomato base up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for best results.
Pasta with ridges or curves like penne, rigatoni, shells, or rotini work excellently as they hold the creamy sauce better than smooth shapes like spaghetti or angel hair.
Yes, use 8 oz cream cheese mixed with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, and salt to taste. However, Boursin provides superior flavor and texture.
Don’t use too high heat and always add reserved pasta water gradually while tossing. The starch helps emulsify the cheese and prevents separation.
Freezing isn’t recommended as dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. The texture becomes grainy and unappetizing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of creamy melted cheese, sweet roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table.
This versatile recipe adapts easily to your preferences and available ingredients. Whether you add extra vegetables, protein, or experiment with different herbs, the basic technique remains foolproof. The key lies in gentle baking temperatures and proper pasta water usage for that silky, restaurant-style sauce.
With just a few quality ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll create a memorable dish that rivals expensive restaurant meals. Give this Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta a try, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 packages (5.2 oz each) Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Herb)
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10–16 ounces pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (6 leaves)
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place Boursin cheese rounds and cherry tomatoes in 9×13 baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over cheese and tomatoes. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Roast in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and cheese melts completely.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in large pot. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Drain pasta thoroughly.
- Add drained pasta to baking dish with roasted mixture. Toss with reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle fresh basil, spinach (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne, rigatoni, or shells to hold the creamy sauce better
- Don’t skip the pasta water – its starch content helps bind the sauce and prevents it from separating
- Pierce larger tomatoes with a fork before baking to prevent them from bursting too violently in the oven
- Let the Boursin cheese come to room temperature before baking for more even melting and smoother sauce
- Add delicate herbs like basil only at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
