If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfaction of pasta, you’ll love Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti. This recipe brings together ziti pasta, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and the delightful creaminess of Boursin cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. The layers of flavor, combined with a crispy topping, will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Why We Love This Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti stands out as a favorite for many reasons. The creamy Boursin cheese adds a unique twist, elevating the dish from a simple pasta bake to a gourmet experience. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized based on the ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, making it convenient for busy nights. Whether you have leftover chicken or fresh veggies in the fridge, this recipe is flexible and forgiving. The vibrant spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the combination of cheeses creates a satisfyingly rich sauce.
Ingredients about Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
To whip up this flavorful Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Garlic and Herb Gournay Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Directions
Making Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Next, combine the freshly grated pecorino cheese with Italian-style breadcrumbs in a small bowl and set aside; this mixture will add a delightful crunch on top of your baked dish.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the ziti pasta. Cook the pasta until it’s tender but still has a bite, which will take about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve about two tablespoons of the pasta water; this will help to adjust the sauce later if needed.
While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it starts to soften, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
Once the garlic is fragrant, turn off the heat and add the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt and the ingredients are fully combined into a creamy mixture.
Now, fold the drained ziti pasta into the skillet with the chicken mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, you can loosen it up with the reserved pasta water. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish, making sure the pasta is evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the pecorino and breadcrumb mixture over the top of your delicious creation.
Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake it until it’s bubbly and lightly golden brown, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes. Once done, take it out, let it cool slightly, and serve warm to enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it straight from the oven for a comforting meal at home. It pairs well with a simple side salad to balance out its richness. You might consider a mix of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the creamy pasta.
For a more elevated dining experience, serve it with garlic bread on the side. The crunchy texture of garlic bread perfectly contrasts the softness of the baked ziti. If you’re entertaining guests, consider garnishing the baked ziti with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for color and added freshness.
Another idea is to serve individual portions in small ramekins for an attractive presentation. This way, you can offer a single-serve option that feels special and personalized.
Expert Tips: Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
To ensure your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips. First, using leftover cooked chicken makes this recipe quicker and easier. If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, poach or bake some chicken breast and shred it for the recipe.
Next, don’t skip the reserved pasta water. It’s a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. If your mixture seems too thick after combining, adding some pasta water can help to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
If you prefer a bit more spice, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini, adding them to the skillet with the onions. This adds extra nutrients and flavor to your dish.
Lastly, if you want an extra golden crust, you might consider broiling the dish for a couple of minutes at the end of the baking process. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
How to Store Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
Storing leftovers of your Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is quite simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed throughout, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
If you have more than one serving left and want to save it for later, you can also freeze it. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It should last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen ziti, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. This way, you can savor the flavors of this delightful dish even after a busy week!
Variation of Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
While the classic recipe for Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is fantastic as it is, you might want to try a few variations to mix things up. Consider swapping out the ziti pasta for a different shape, like penne or rotini, which could add a fun twist in texture.
If you want a lighter option, substituting whole wheat pasta for regular pasta can add more fiber. You could also replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative if you’re watching your calorie intake, but keep in mind it may alter the creaminess of the dish slightly.
For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and load your ziti up with an assortment of colorful veggies, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or even roasted butternut squash. This adds depth of flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, experiment with different cheeses. Incorporate a blend of cheeses like cheddar or gouda with the Boursin for a richer taste. Each of these alterations can lead to exciting new interpretations of this beloved recipe!
FAQ
What makes Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti special?
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti stands out due to its unique combination of creamy Boursin cheese with tender chicken and fresh spinach, making it a flavorful and comforting dish.
Can I freeze Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti?
Yes, you can freeze it. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
How should I reheat Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti?
Reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
What can I serve with Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti?
It pairs excellently with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You may also serve it with a fresh herb garnish for extra flavor.
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ziti for other pasta shapes like penne or rotini, depending on your preference.
Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients
For the topping
- 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs
Main ingredients
- 1/2 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken Leftover cooked chicken works great.
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Garlic and Herb Gournay Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the pecorino cheese and Italian-style breadcrumbs, then set aside.
Cooking pasta and sauce
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the ziti pasta. Cook until tender but still al dente, about 11 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about two tablespoons of pasta water.
- In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds.
- Turn off the heat and stir in cooked chicken, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and mozzarella until fully combined.
- Fold in the drained ziti pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the pecorino and breadcrumb mix on top.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!