Rich, creamy, and loaded with irresistible flavor, Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is the kind of weeknight comfort food that just begs to be shared. Picture tender bites of golden chicken and vibrant spinach tangled up with silky pasta, all dressed in a velvety sauce spiked with garlicky Boursin cheese—it’s a total crowd-pleaser that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes! This recipe is an absolute gem for anyone who craves a bowl of something decadent yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To pull off this dreamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta, you don’t need a long ingredient list—just some pantry staples and a handful of fresh items. Each ingredient is there for a reason, bringing either flavor, creaminess, or color to the party.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine work beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite shape for catching all that sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory base flavor and is so convenient.
- Onion powder: Lends a gentle sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and a hint of color to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a flavorful aromatic punch in the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and lays down flavor for the sauce.
- Boursin garlic and herb cheese: The not-so-secret star, melting into pure creamy luxury.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce lush, velvety, and totally crave-worthy.
- Parmesan cheese: A final salty, nutty flourish that ties everything together.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts into the pasta, adding a burst of color and a little freshness.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness as a garnish—don’t skip it if you love a fresh finish!
How to Make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out about a half cup of the starchy water—this will help if you need to loosen up the sauce later on. Drain and set aside, ready for a creamy embrace.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let your chicken cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Once done, scoot it onto a plate and keep it cozy until it’s time for the big finale.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In that same skillet (don’t waste those tasty brown bits!), add your minced fresh garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant and mouthwatering. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any flavor from the bottom of the pan. Next, add the entire package of Boursin garlic and herb cheese along with the heavy cream, stirring until everything melts together into a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken and deepen in flavor. Now return the cooked pasta and the golden chicken to the skillet, tossing everything so it’s coated in creamy bliss. Add the spinach last, stirring just until it wilts and turns vibrant green. A splash of your reserved pasta water can help if the sauce gets too thick.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is piping hot and perfectly sauced, remove from the heat. Sprinkle with a generous handful of fresh parsley and, if you like, an extra shave of Parmesan. Get ready to serve your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta before anyone else snatches the biggest portion!
How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of parsley is the classic finish—it provides a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce. Freshly cracked black pepper or a gentle dusting of extra Parmesan also make for delicious—and impressive—finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or go all in with warm, garlicky bread to help mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables, especially broccoli or asparagus, make lovely partners to the richness of Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of herbed olive oil and a big shower of parsley. Or portion it into ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and a bit more Parmesan, then broil for a few minutes for a “gratin” effect. Leftovers also shine reheated as a decadent pasta bake with just a bit of extra cheese melted on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will return to creamy perfection when reheated with a splash of milk or broth.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Store cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet or microwave over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a little more cream to bring back that beautiful creaminess. Stir frequently and heat until piping hot—but don’t boil, or the sauce may break.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is wonderfully versatile. Penne and fettuccine are classic choices, but any shape that holds sauce—like rigatoni, shells, or even gluten-free pasta—will work perfectly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or a plant-based chicken substitute, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The Boursin’s big flavor means you won’t miss the meat!
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
While the unique taste of Boursin is tough to match, you can substitute with herbed cream cheese or mix regular cream cheese with a little garlic and your favorite herbs. The sauce’s signature creaminess and flavor will still shine through.
How do I lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter version of Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also use less cheese, add extra spinach, or mix in more veggies for a nutrient boost.
Can I meal prep Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
Definitely! Prepare everything up to tossing the pasta and chicken in the sauce, then store separately in the fridge. Combine and reheat when you’re ready to eat for a super easy weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bowl of something truly soul-satisfying, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta. It’s quick, creamy, and packed with just the right balance of comfort and elegance. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new dinner-time favorite!
Print
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken, garlic and herb Boursin cheese, and a touch of heavy cream come together to create a decadent sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This easy-to-make dish is a family favorite and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta of choice such as penne or fettuccine
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 5 ounces Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken, season, and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, then add chicken broth to deglaze. Stir in Boursin cheese and heavy cream until creamy. Add Parmesan and simmer.
- Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, toss to coat. Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Finish: Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This pasta works well with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- You can swap spinach for kale or broccoli.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
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