Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe: Your Amazing Quick Fix

Get ready for the creamiest, most flavorful pasta dish you might ever make right in your own kitchen! This boursin cheese pasta recipe is pure comfort food magic. Imagine tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made effortlessly from baked Boursin cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. You might have seen variations, like the viral TikTok Boursin pasta, go crazy online a while back – and for good reason! It took the internet by storm because it’s incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious.

What makes this specific boursin cheese pasta recipe so special? It’s the simplicity combined with gourmet flavor. Using Boursin cheese, known for its blend of garlic, herbs, and creamy texture, is the secret weapon. Unlike some recipes that require complicated sauce-making, this one practically makes itself in the oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast, but it’s also impressive enough for guests. It takes minimal effort for maximum reward, which is why it’s a favorite in our home. If you enjoyed our popular One-Pan Lemon Herb Baked Chicken, you’ll appreciate the same easy cleanup and fantastic flavors here. Prepare to fall in love with this easy, delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This boursin cheese pasta recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience! Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

Incredibly Easy: Seriously, this is one of the simplest pasta dishes you can make. Most of the work happens in the oven while the Boursin cheese and tomatoes roast into a delicious sauce base. Minimal active cooking time means more time for you.
Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings when hunger strikes and patience is thin.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients, many of which you might already have. The star, Boursin cheese, does most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
Rich & Creamy: The baked Boursin melts down with the roasted tomato juices and olive oil to create an unbelievably creamy, luscious sauce without needing any heavy cream. It coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic and herb Boursin, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and good olive oil creates a complex, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that’s utterly addictive.
Customizable: While fantastic on its own, this recipe is a great base. You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to make it your own. Different Boursin flavors also offer variety.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this creamy pasta. It’s comforting, satisfying, and visually appealing. Even picky eaters often give this one a thumbs up.
Viral Sensation: Inspired by the famous TikTok Boursin pasta and baked feta pasta trends, this recipe taps into that same easy, cheesy goodness but with the distinct, elevated flavor of Boursin. You’re essentially making a gourmet Boursin pasta with minimal fuss. Making Boursin in pasta this way is truly transformative.
One-Pan Sauce: The sauce components bake together in one dish, making cleanup significantly easier. Fewer dishes are always a win!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious boursin cheese pasta recipe:

Pasta: 1 pound (16 ounces or about 450g) of your favorite pasta shape. Medium shapes like rotini, penne, rigatoni, cavatappi, or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well. Linguine or fettuccine are also good options.
Cherry Tomatoes: 2 pints (about 4 cups or 600-700g) cherry or grape tomatoes. Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best flavor. A mix of colors looks lovely.
Boursin Cheese: One 5.2-ounce (150g) package of Boursin cheese. Garlic & Fine Herbs is the classic choice, but Shallot & Chive or other savory varieties also work wonderfully. Ensure it’s cold from the fridge before baking.
Olive Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) good quality extra virgin olive oil. This forms the base of the sauce and adds richness.
Garlic: 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced or roughly chopped. Adjust to your preference for garlic intensity.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (optional), for a gentle touch of heat. Adjust amount based on your spice tolerance.
Salt: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste, divided (some for baking dish, some for pasta water).
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn, for garnish (optional but highly recommended). Fresh parsley or chives also work.
Pasta Water: About 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy boursin cheese pasta recipe:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Choose a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish.

2. Combine Tomatoes, Oil, and Seasonings:

Add the cherry or grape tomatoes to the baking dish.
Drizzle the 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes.
Scatter the sliced or chopped garlic cloves evenly amongst the tomatoes.
Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, the black pepper, and the red pepper flakes (if using) over the tomatoes.
Toss everything gently to ensure the tomatoes are well coated with oil and seasonings.

3. Add the Boursin Cheese:

Make a space in the center of the tomatoes.
Unwrap the cold Boursin cheese wheel and place it directly in the center of the baking dish, nestled amongst the tomatoes. Avoid breaking it up. Keeping it whole helps it bake evenly initially. This is key for the baked boursin pasta technique.

4. Bake the Cheese and Tomatoes:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst and are softened, and the Boursin cheese is melted, slightly golden on top, and bubbly around the edges. The aroma will be incredible!

5. Cook the Pasta:

While the cheese and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more – the water should taste like the sea).
Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (cooked through but still firm to the bite). Cooking it al dente is important because it will cook slightly more when tossed with the hot sauce.
Crucially: Before draining the pasta, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Drain the pasta well using a colander. Do not rinse it.

6. Create the Sauce:

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven (it will be very hot!).
Immediately, while everything is hot, use the back of a spoon or a fork to mash the melted Boursin cheese.
Stir the mashed Boursin vigorously with the burst tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil in the dish. The heat and juices will emulsify with the cheese and oil, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce right in the baking dish. Keep stirring until it looks cohesive and smooth. This step transforms the baked ingredients into the perfect boursin in pasta sauce. If making a boursin and tomato pasta, ensure the tomatoes are well incorporated.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the hot sauce.
Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy Boursin tomato sauce.

8. Adjust Consistency (If Needed):

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash (about 1/4 cup at a time) of the reserved starchy pasta water. Toss again until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta without making it watery.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Stir in the fresh chopped basil (if using) just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the boursin cheese pasta recipe immediately while hot. You can garnish with extra basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or more red pepper flakes if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile boursin cheese pasta recipe is delightful on its own but also pairs beautifully with various sides and additions:

Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Think mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon or balsamic dressing.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce in the bowl. Garlic bread or a simple French baguette works wonderfully.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for added greens and texture.
Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the pasta for a protein boost.
Sautéed Shrimp: Quickly sauté some shrimp with garlic and add them to the finished pasta for a delicious seafood variation.
White Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra fiber and protein.
Spinach: Wilt in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach into the hot pasta just before serving. The residual heat will cook it down perfectly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use a different flavor of Boursin cheese?
Absolutely! While Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic for this boursin cheese pasta recipe, Shallot & Chive, Caramelized Onion & Herbs, or even Cracked Black Pepper varieties work great. Choose your favorite savory Boursin flavor.

What kind of tomatoes work best?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal because they are sweet and burst nicely when roasted. If you can’t find them, you could use chopped Roma tomatoes, but the sauce might be slightly less sweet and require a longer roasting time. Using good tomatoes is key for a great boursin and tomato pasta.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, easily! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and cook according to its package directions. Remember to reserve the gluten-free pasta water.

Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Definitely! You can add cooked protein at the end. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, or even crumbled cooked Italian sausage when you toss the pasta with the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Boursin pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, so adding liquid is usually necessary.

Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce base (roasted tomatoes and Boursin) can be made ahead. Bake as directed, mash the cheese and tomatoes, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop while you cook the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed, then toss together. However, it tastes best when freshly made.

My sauce isn’t creamy enough. What did I do wrong?
Make sure you stirred the baked Boursin and tomato mixture vigorously while hot to emulsify the oil and juices. Also, don’t forget the magic of reserved pasta water! Adding a splash or two of the starchy water while tossing the pasta is essential for achieving that perfect creamy consistency. Ensure you didn’t use too little olive oil.

Is this the same as the TikTok pasta?
This boursin cheese pasta recipe is inspired by the viral trend often called “TikTok pasta” or “baked feta pasta.” This version uses Boursin cheese instead of feta, resulting in a creamier, herb-infused sauce distinct from the saltier, tangier feta version. It captures the same ease of preparation associated with the tiktok boursin pasta phenomenon.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)

Please note that these are estimates per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients used (pasta type, olive oil amount, additions) and serving size.

Approximate values per serving (assuming recipe serves 4):

Calories: 650-750 kcal
Protein: 18-22g
Fat: 35-45g
- Saturated Fat: 12-16g
Carbohydrates: 65-75g
- Fiber: 5-7g
- Sugar: 8-12g (mostly from tomatoes)
Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on salt added and Boursin variety)

This boursin cheese pasta recipe is a source of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle maintenance, and fats (primarily unsaturated from olive oil). The tomatoes provide vitamins like C and A, as well as lycopene.

Recipe Tips for Success

Use Cold Boursin: Don’t let the Boursin sit out at room temperature. Placing it cold into the hot oven environment helps it melt evenly as the tomatoes cook.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure your baking dish is large enough so the tomatoes are mostly in a single layer. This allows them to roast properly rather than steam.
Salt the Pasta Water: This is crucial for flavoring the pasta itself. The water should taste salty.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! Starchy pasta water is key to creating a perfectly emulsified, creamy sauce. Always reserve more than you think you’ll need.
Stir Vigorously: When combining the baked Boursin and tomatoes, stir with energy! This breaks down the cheese and emulsifies the oil and juices into a cohesive sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the final dish before serving. You might need a pinch more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your ingredients and preference.
Fresh Herbs Matter: While optional, fresh basil or parsley added at the end really brightens the flavors.
Pasta Shape: Choose a pasta shape that has ridges or curves to trap the creamy sauce, like rotini, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables to the baking dish for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting, such as sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus spears. Or wilt spinach into the finished pasta.
Spice it Up: If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make it Richer: For an even more decadent version, you could stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end, but it’s usually rich enough with just the Boursin and olive oil.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple yet stunningly delicious Boursin cheese pasta recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite. Its combination of ease, speed, and incredible flavor makes it perfect for any night of the week. The creamy, garlicky, herby sauce created almost effortlessly in the oven is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or customize it with your favorite additions, the result is always satisfying.

For further inspiration and variations on this delightful dish, consider exploring these resources:

Southern Living’s 4-Ingredient Boursin Pasta showcases a minimalist approach, highlighting the creamy richness of Boursin cheese paired with cherry tomatoes for a satisfying meal.

Modern Honey’s Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta offers a flavorful take on the viral recipe, combining Boursin cheese with roasted tomatoes and garlic for a rich, creamy sauce.

The Recipe Well’s Boursin Cheese Pasta provides a quick and easy version of this dish, perfect for busy weeknights, with tips on incorporating roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs.