If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy indulgence with hearty, comforting flavors, then you are going to love this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe. It brings together tender bites of chicken, the rich and herbaceous notes of Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that feels special but comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this pasta delivers a satisfying combination of flavor, texture, and a hint of fresh brightness from parsley that will quickly make it a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and essential, the ingredients in this recipe all play a key role in delivering its signature creamy texture and vibrant flavor. From the garlic & herb Boursin cheese that forms the heart of the sauce to the perfectly cooked chicken, every item is carefully chosen to bring this dish to life.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): Your vehicle for the sauce, these shapes hold onto the creamy mixture beautifully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides lean protein and a satisfying texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken and a subtle fruitiness.
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): The magical creamy element with an herby kick that defines the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a lusciously smooth sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty dimension to round out the flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal contrast.
How to Make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your choice of penne or fusilli pasta in salted water until al dente, ensuring a perfect bite — not too chewy, not too soft. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it ready to soak up all that creamy goodness from the sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor and giving the dish some hearty substance.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté for a minute. This quick step releases the garlic’s wonderful aroma, layering in a warm and fragrant base for your sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Keep mixing gently until the cheese melts fully and transforms into a creamy, silky sauce that lovingly coats every bit of chicken in the pan. This is where the magic of the Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe really shines.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the drained pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese straight into the skillet. Toss and stir everything together until every noodle and chicken piece is generously coated in that irresistible sauce. This step ensures a perfect harmony of flavors in every forkful.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Give your creation a final taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. This really personalizes the dish and lifts all the flavors to their best.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and bright herbal notes. Serve your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe warm and prepare for lots of compliments.
How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a natural choice that adds a pop of green and light herbal freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan if you want more cheesy richness or add a pinch of red chili flakes for a mild kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The clean, fresh sides perfectly balance the indulgence of the creamy pasta, making the meal feel complete without adding heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in shallow white bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the herbs against the creamy sauce. Garnish with an extra sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge on the side to add visual appeal and a hint of zesty brightness for those who want it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to keep the sauce’s texture silky and prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing
While the cream-based sauce does not freeze perfectly, you can freeze the chicken and pasta separately in portions. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring gently and adding a little bit of cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick. This method helps maintain the luscious texture of the sauce without drying out the pasta or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese is what gives this recipe its signature creamy and herby flavor, you can substitute with a cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs if needed. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are ideal because their ridges and shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, other short pasta like rotini or rigatoni would work just as well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe reheats well when stored properly. Just be sure to add a little cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy and fresh-tasting.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes can bring extra texture and color, making the dish even more wholesome and vibrant.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half and use less olive oil when cooking the chicken. Adding more fresh vegetables also helps balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe is such a delightful way to turn a simple pasta dinner into something truly memorable without needing hours in the kitchen. Its creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta makes it a comforting, flavorful bowl you’ll want to savor again and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it is sure to become a beloved staple in your home cooking repertoire!
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Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, garlic and herb Boursin cheese, and Parmesan. Prepared in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and elegant, featuring a rich sauce that coats your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Continuously stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta along with the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Season: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta and serve warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use penne or fusilli pasta as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, a cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can be a substitute.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to keep a slight bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
