If you want something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, Boursin cheese pasta is a great choice. This recipe became popular for a reason — it’s easy to make and very tasty. You just bake cherry tomatoes, garlic, cream cheese, and Boursin garlic and herb cheese all in one dish. Then you mix it with pasta. The result is a warm, rich, and comforting meal that you’ll love.
Why We Love This Pasta Sauce Recipe
There are many reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy. You don’t need to stand over a stove for hours or make a sauce from scratch. The oven does most of the work while you prepare the pasta on the side. You simply toss everything in a baking dish and let the magic happen.
Second, it’s flavorful beyond belief. The Boursin garlic and herb cheese adds richness and depth that pairs beautifully with roasted garlic and tomatoes. When mixed with cream cheese and lemon juice, the result is a smooth, silky sauce with the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
Third, it’s flexible. You can serve it as is for a comforting vegetarian dish, or add protein like chicken if you prefer. Plus, it reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-level flavor without any fuss.
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes – Use fresh cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness. Roasting them brings out their natural juices, which helps create the base of the sauce.
Garlic cloves – Whole peeled garlic cloves roast to a soft, buttery texture that blends beautifully into the sauce. Do not use pre-minced or jarred garlic, which lacks the same flavor intensity after roasting.
Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of dried herbs that boosts the flavor of the roasted vegetables. You can use your favorite brand or mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme if needed.
Kosher salt – Enhances all the ingredients without making the dish taste salty. If substituting with table salt, use slightly less since it has a finer grain and more salt by volume.
Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild bite to balance the creaminess of the sauce. Pre-ground pepper is milder and can be used in a pinch, but freshly ground is best.
Olive oil – Helps roast the tomatoes and garlic evenly while adding a rich, fruity base to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred, but any mild olive oil will work.
Boursin garlic & herb cheese – The key ingredient in this Boursin cheese pasta. This soft, herbed cheese melts into a flavorful, creamy sauce with minimal effort.
Cream cheese – Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Avoid low-fat or whipped versions, which can cause the sauce to break or feel thin.
Pasta – Penne is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce well, but other medium pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or shells will also work. For a gluten-free version, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti, which don’t carry the sauce as well.
How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta Directions
Making Boursin cheese pasta is much easier than it looks. Everything starts in the oven, giving you a hands-free way to build flavor while your pasta cooks.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then grab a 9×13” baking dish and toss in the cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil on top and mix everything until the tomatoes and garlic are well coated.
Next, make a little space in the center of the dish and place the Boursin garlic and herb cheese along with the cream cheese right in the middle. It’s okay if they’re touching the tomatoes — they’ll melt and blend together later.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft and the garlic fork-tender. The cheeses will also be warm and spreadable by the end of baking.
While the dish is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Be sure to reserve ¾ cup of pasta water before draining it. This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and gives it the perfect consistency.
Once the tomato and cheese mixture is done baking, take a fork and gently mash the garlic and tomatoes. They should break down easily and combine with the melted cheeses to form a rich, creamy sauce.
Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the chopped baby spinach. Stir everything together in the baking dish until the spinach wilts slightly and the mixture is fully combined. Then pour in ½ cup of your reserved pasta water and stir again.
Now it’s time to add your cooked pasta. Mix it gently until every piece is coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can pour in a bit more pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.
Taste the pasta and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Boursin Cheese Pasta
You can serve Boursin cheese pasta as a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few extras. A crisp green salad with a simple lemon or balsamic dressing balances out the richness of the sauce. If you’re in the mood for something warm and crusty, serve it with garlic bread or a fresh baguette to scoop up the extra sauce.
This pasta works well as a main course, but you can also serve it in smaller portions as a starter or side dish for gatherings. If you’re hosting a dinner, serve it family-style in a large bowl topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for presentation.
Since the sauce has strong flavors, consider pairing it with milder sides like steamed vegetables or roasted carrots to add some variety to your plate. No matter how you serve it, this pasta is sure to be the star of the table.
Expert Tips: Boursin Cheese Pasta
To make the most of your Boursin cheese pasta, keep these helpful tips in mind.
Don’t overcook the pasta. You want it to be al dente so it holds its shape and texture after mixing with the sauce.
Use fresh lemon juice. It adds a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce. Avoid bottled lemon juice, which can taste artificial.
Reserve that pasta water. It’s full of starch and acts as a natural thickener and emulsifier for the sauce, helping it stick to the pasta.
Mash the garlic thoroughly. Roasted garlic is soft and sweet, but you still want to mash it well to blend smoothly into the sauce.
Adjust seasonings last. Once everything is mixed, taste it again before serving. Sometimes a touch more salt or lemon juice can make a big difference.
Don’t skip the spinach. It not only adds color and nutrients but also balances the richness of the dish with a bit of freshness.
How to Store Boursin Cheese Pasta
Leftovers? No problem. This pasta stores well and reheats beautifully.
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it up in short bursts, stirring between each one. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or milk while reheating to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the cheese sauce may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Variation of Boursin Cheese Pasta
One of the great things about this pasta is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you can try to make it your own.
Add protein. You can stir in cooked, shredded chicken or grilled shrimp for extra protein. These additions blend well with the sauce without overpowering it.
Switch up the veggies. While spinach is great, you can also use kale, arugula, or chopped zucchini. Just make sure to add them after baking so they don’t overcook.
Try different pasta shapes. Penne works perfectly, but shells, rigatoni, or rotini will also hold the creamy sauce well.
Make it gluten-free. Just swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Brown rice spirals or chickpea pasta are excellent choices.
Add a spicy kick. Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes before baking or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing the pasta.
With just a few tweaks, you can enjoy a fresh spin on this comforting classic every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boursin Cheese Pasta
What is Boursin cheese made of?
Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese flavored with garlic and herbs. It’s rich, creamy, and blends beautifully into sauces.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try flavored cream cheeses or goat cheese, but the signature flavor of this pasta comes from Boursin, so keep that in mind.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes will work just as well. Just make sure they’re ripe and sweet for the best flavor.
How do I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?
Use some of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen the sauce until it reaches the right consistency.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then mix them together just before serving. Reheat gently and add a bit of liquid to refresh the texture.
Boursin Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 5 cloves garlic peeled but left whole
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5.2 ounces Boursin garlic & herb cheese 1 package
- 4 ounces cream cheese half block
- 8 ounces penne pasta or your favorite medium pasta
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, plus more to taste
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves lightly chopped, about 3 ounces
Optional Toppings
- grated Parmesan cheese to taste
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13” baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Make a space in the center and place the Boursin cheese and cream cheese in the middle of the dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and garlic is fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the tomatoes and garlic with a fork to create a sauce. Stir in lemon juice and chopped spinach until wilted.
- Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss gently until all the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Top with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot.