If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender chicken pieces paired with the luscious, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce create a harmony that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or unexpected guests. Every bite melts with creamy goodness that’ll have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty pasta to the rich cream and the flavorful Boursin cheese, everything combines to elevate this dish to a new level of deliciousness.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they provide a tender protein base that soaks up all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and adding a subtle fruity note.
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): The star ingredient, bringing a rich, creamy texture with an herby, garlicky punch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence and helps create a smooth, silky sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a slightly nutty flavor that complements the Boursin perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This is important because the pasta will finish cooking a bit once it’s tossed in the sauce, so you want it to be firm but tender. Once done, drain it well and set aside so it’s ready to soak up that amazing sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and ensures the chicken stays juicy inside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic straight to the skillet. Sauté for just about a minute so the garlic releases its incredible fragrance without burning, which adds a lovely depth to the dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the Boursin cheese along with the heavy cream. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and transforms into a seamless, creamy sauce. This combination is the heart of your dish—rich, savory, and perfectly smooth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Now, add your cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta is generously coated in that beautiful sauce. This step is where all the flavors really come together.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Give your pasta a little taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Seasoning perfectly can completely elevate the dish, so trust your palate here.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Not only does it add a refreshing burst of color, but it also gives a subtle herbal lift that cuts through the richness. Serve your Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe warm and watch it disappear fast.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also experiment with chopped chives or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A little extra Parmesan grated on top never hurts either, adding another layer of cheesy delight.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also amazing for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in warm shallow bowls to highlight the creamy sauce and garnish. For a dinner party, add a few edible flowers or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, try freezing just the chicken and pasta separately and prepare the sauce fresh to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid scorching and keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin brings a unique garlicky herb flavor that’s central to this recipe, you can substitute with a soft cream cheese blended with garlic and herbs, or even a mild goat cheese. Just remember that the flavor profile may shift slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. These options maintain the hearty feel and taste great paired with the creamy sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are the best choices because their shapes capture the sauce effectively. Rigatoni or farfalle are also excellent substitutes and add some fun texture to the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because Boursin and cream are dairy-based, but you can try dairy-free cream alternatives and a vegan cream cheese substitute. The flavor won’t be quite the same but can still be delicious with the right seasonings.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe is a fantastic quick meal, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive but easy.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe is like discovering a little culinary treasure that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels both elevated and homey. I promise once you make it, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes to impress yourself and loved ones. So, grab your skillet and let that creamy magic happen!
Print
Creamy 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: French-inspired
Description
A creamy, flavorful Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe where tender chicken and pasta are coated in a rich garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce, enhanced with Parmesan and heavy cream for a comforting dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Sauce
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Season: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed for balanced flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish warm immediately.
Notes
- Use penne or fusilli pasta as they hold the sauce well, but any other pasta shape can be used.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal for best mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness; feel free to use basil or chives as alternatives.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger group.
