Imagine twirling your fork, the delicate pasta strands catching a velvety sauce, rich with the unmistakable tang of garlic and herbs. Then, the tender bite of perfectly cooked chicken. That, my friends, is the magic of Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta. The scent alone, a symphony of savory delights, is enough to make your stomach rumble. It’s a dish that promises comfort and delivers elegance, all in one delectable package.
I first tasted something similar at a tiny bistro in Paris – simple, flavorful, and utterly unforgettable. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home, but with a weeknight-friendly twist. This recipe is the happy result: a luxurious pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that even the pickiest eaters will devour, and its simplicity belies its sophistication.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to impress a date or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Boursin Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to become a new favorite. The creamy, dreamy sauce clings to every strand, coating the chicken in a blanket of flavor. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl, ready to banish any culinary humdrum. And honestly, who doesn’t crave a little bit of that?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this recipe is a weeknight winner!
- Intensely Flavorful: The garlic and herb Boursin cheese creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
- Incredibly Creamy Texture: The sauce is unbelievably smooth and luscious, thanks to the melting Boursin.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more elegant gathering.
- One-Pan Wonder (Almost!): Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking the chicken and sauce in the same pan.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Boursin Cheese: The star of the show! This creamy, garlic-and-herb-infused cheese melts beautifully into a luscious sauce. Use your favorite flavor; the original is perfect, but black pepper or shallot & chive would also be fantastic. Look for it in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store. While there isn’t a direct substitute, cream cheese with garlic and herb seasoning can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. This is essential.
- Chicken Breast: Provides a lean and flavorful protein. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience, but chicken thighs work equally well and offer a richer flavor. Ensure it’s fresh and pink. You can also brine the chicken beforehand for extra moisture.
- Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape! I love penne or rotini because they capture the creamy sauce perfectly, but spaghetti, linguine, or even farfalle (bowties) would work well. Gluten-free pasta is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can also be used as a vegetarian alternative.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but regular olive oil or even avocado oil will work.
- Garlic: While Boursin already has garlic in it, an extra clove or two really amps up the flavor! Freshly minced garlic is always best.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but pre-grated can also be used. This is optional, but highly recommended to elevate your Boursin Chicken Pasta.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
- Pasta Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
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How to Make Boursin Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds tons of flavor!
- Add the Boursin: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for a few more minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. This is when the Boursin Chicken Pasta really starts to shine!
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy deliciousness!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is liquid gold! It helps to thicken the sauce and create a silky, emulsified texture.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and unpleasant. Keep a close eye on it and stir frequently.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and pasta and toss with the sauce. For best results, prepare the Boursin Chicken Pasta sauce fresh.
Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Lemon Herb Boursin Chicken Pasta: Enhance the flavour by adding a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Boursin Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon refrigeration. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to thin the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be aware that the pasta may become slightly softer upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta is a true weeknight winner, guaranteed to satisfy your culinary cravings! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, so it will have everyone asking for seconds. The simple elegance of the Boursin flavour elevates everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your creations on social media.
Related Recipes
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies (pair this with the above, for minimal cleanup)
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (the perfect comforting combination)
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi (another quick and easy pasta dish)
Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 5.2 oz Boursin cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Boursin cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for a few minutes, until thickened.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.