Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you're on the hunt for a quick, easy, and indulgent pasta recipe, look no further. This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and the rich creaminess of Boursin cheese to create a dish that's sure to become a household favorite. Whether you're cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or hosting guests, this recipe will leave everyone wanting seconds. Follow along to discover the step-by-step process, expert tips, and mouth-watering variations to make this dish truly your own. Get ready to take your pasta night to the next level!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy pasta dish made with succulent chicken, your choice of pasta, and the famous Boursin cheese—an herb-flavored soft cheese that effortlessly melts into a velvety sauce. This recipe is a quick and comforting meal, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

To make this decadent dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 2-3 breasts, sliced or cubed.
• Boursin cheese: 1 package (5.2 oz), garlic and herb flavor is preferred.
• Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work great).
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the chicken.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
• Heavy cream: ½ cup for extra creaminess.
• Chicken broth: ½ cup for depth of flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated (optional, but recommended).
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Fresh spinach: 2 cups, optional but adds a nice texture and color.
• Fresh herbs: Basil or parsley for garnish.

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta (Again, for Emphasis)

This might seem repetitive, but it's important to reiterate the star ingredients that make this dish special:

• Boursin Cheese: This creamy, herb-filled cheese is the heart of the recipe, providing both flavor and richness.
• Chicken: Boneless chicken adds a savory protein element to balance out the creaminess.
• Pasta: You can use any pasta type, but something with grooves like penne or rotini holds the sauce best.
• Garlic and Olive Oil: These are essential for creating a fragrant base that complements the richness of the cheese.
• Heavy Cream: This helps smooth out the cheese and turns it into a sauce.
• Spinach (Optional): Adds some greens and a nutritional boost without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Herbs and Parmesan: These finishing touches elevate the dish with a bit more flavor and presentation flair.

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some substitution options and variations to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Substitute Boursin Cheese: If you can't find Boursin, substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and Italian herbs.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if you or your guests are sensitive to gluten.
• Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Toss in vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to put them together to create your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta masterpiece.

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside (about 6-8 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat, then add the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. If you're adding spinach, toss it in at this point and let it wilt down.
6. Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve immediately.

How to Cook Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure the best results, follow these tips step-by-step for a flawless dish:

• Step 1: Cook pasta just until al dente to ensure it holds its shape when combined with the sauce.
• Step 2: Sear the chicken thoroughly for a flavorful crust.
• Step 3: Melt the Boursin cheese on low heat to avoid burning or clumping.
• Step 4: Use reserved pasta water to control sauce thickness—this is key to achieving a perfect creamy consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go awry if you're not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when tossed in the sauce.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so sauté it on low heat and watch it closely.
• Not Using Pasta Water: Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta. Don’t skip this step!
• Cooking Sauce on High Heat: Boursin cheese can separate if cooked on high heat. Always use low to medium heat when preparing the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving this indulgent pasta dish. Here are some simple tips to elevate your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta presentation:

• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only add a pop of color but also freshen up the dish.
• Use a Wide Bowl: Serve the pasta in a wide, shallow bowl to give it a restaurant-style appearance.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: For a finishing touch, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta right before serving.
• Fresh Parmesan: Grate some fresh Parmesan over each plate for an extra touch of sophistication.

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is quite rich, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides:

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, crispy side to complement the creamy pasta.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

To make the dish visually appealing, here are a few ideas:

• Family-Style: Serve the pasta in a large, deep dish or platter and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Portions: Plate each serving in a shallow bowl with chicken slices fanned on top, then sprinkle with fresh herbs.
• Rustic Appeal: Serve with a wooden spoon and large Parmesan block on the side for a rustic, casual vibe.

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat and combine with the pasta and sauce when ready to serve.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is great for meal prepping. Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?
A: Yes, you can substitute Boursin with cream cheese, mascarpone, or a mix of goat cheese and herbs for a similar creamy texture.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Replace the Boursin cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese, and use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the sauce might change when reheated. If freezing, store the pasta and sauce separately.

Q: How do I avoid curdling the sauce?
A: Make sure to cook the sauce on low heat and stir constantly. High heat can cause the cream to separate.

Conclusion

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple and sophisticated. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s bound to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with substitutions and variations, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your cooking adventures! Happy cooking!

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