Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that's both comforting and indulgent, look no further than this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe. With tender chicken, a creamy Boursin cheese sauce, and your favorite pasta, this recipe is the perfect combination of flavors. Easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Read on to learn how to make this creamy delight, as well as tips and tricks to perfect it every time!

this Recipe

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that incorporates the rich and herbaceous Boursin cheese, tender pieces of chicken, and pasta. Boursin cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese infused with garlic and herbs, which melts beautifully into a sauce when combined with pasta. The chicken adds a satisfying protein element, making this meal both filling and balanced. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make over and over again.

---

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

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

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (225g) of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
• 1 package (5.2 oz) of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs is recommended)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for cooking the chicken
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• ½ cup of chicken broth, to loosen the sauce
• ½ teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

---

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, and there are plenty of substitutions or variations to try based on your dietary preferences or what's available in your pantry:

• Pasta: You can substitute regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta depending on your dietary needs. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best, but feel free to experiment.
• Boursin Cheese: If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can use another creamy cheese like cream cheese or mascarpone and mix in garlic and herbs for flavor.
• Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you're short on time.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian twist.
• Add Veggies: Broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce for more texture and nutrition.
• Lighter Version: For a lighter version, use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create the perfect Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the Boursin cheese, breaking it up as it melts into the sauce. Keep stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy Boursin sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the pasta simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

---

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

Cooking Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is straightforward, but attention to detail can elevate this dish from good to great. Here's a quick guide to ensure every step goes smoothly:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are ready before you start. Chop the chicken, onions, and garlic, and have your cheese, cream, and broth measured out.
2. Season the Chicken: For juicy and flavorful chicken, season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also add some dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics: Cook onions until they’re soft and translucent, but not browned. Add garlic toward the end to avoid burning it, which can result in a bitter taste.
4. Create a Creamy Sauce: Stir the Boursin cheese into the cream slowly, breaking it up as it melts. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the sauce from separating.
5. Final Touch: If your sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starch from the pasta water will also help the sauce cling to the pasta better.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe like Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta can go wrong if you're not careful. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to cook it just until it's done and remove it from the heat.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, so add it to the pan after the onions have softened, and cook it for only 30-60 seconds.
• Sauce Separation: Overheating the sauce can cause it to break or separate. Keep the heat low when combining the Boursin cheese with the cream to ensure a smooth sauce.
• Undercooked Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. This keeps it from becoming mushy.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make even a simple pasta dish look like a gourmet meal. Here are some tips for serving Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:

1. Plate Individually: Serve the pasta on individual plates rather than family-style for a more elegant presentation.
2. Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives add color and brightness to the creamy pasta.
3. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
4. Add Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts on top can add a lovely crunch to contrast the creamy texture of the pasta.

---

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

This pasta dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with complementary sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli can be served alongside to add some green to your plate.

---

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

When presenting this dish, think about how you can make it visually appealing:

• Use a Large Bowl: Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl so the creamy sauce can pool around the edges.
• Drizzle Extra Sauce: Save a little extra sauce to drizzle over the top of the pasta right before serving.
• Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil on top of each plate.

---

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you perfect this recipe:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish largely comes from the Boursin cheese, so use a good-quality cheese for the best results.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Boursin is already flavored with garlic and herbs, but be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels to your liking.
• Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a crowd. Leftovers also store well, making it great for meal prep.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
A: Yes, cream cheese or mascarpone can work as a substitute. Add garlic and herbs to mimic the flavor of Boursin.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

---

Conclusion

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is an easy, creamy, and delicious meal that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the richness of Boursin cheese. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With the step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips provided, you'll have everything you need to create a perfect dish every time. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking this irresistible Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta today!

Print