Boursin pasta is a deliciously creamy meatless meal that comes together fast and only requires 3 ingredients and 20 minutes to make!
This post is NOT sponsored, but I know a lot of people love Boursin (it was a mainstay in my house while I was growing up!), so why not come up with a simple pasta recipe that incorporates it? My sister is actually the one who suggested the idea to me, and I'm glad she did.
The gears in my brain started turning, and I realized I could use the same technique as my Spinach Goat Cheese Pasta. Really it's a technique as old as time. You make a sauce by adding hot starchy pasta water + cheese, and magic happens.
You may also like my Boursin Chicken.
If you're unfamiliar with Boursin, it's a soft cheese that melts easily and is creamy and fairly light. I used their Garlic & Fine Herbs variety, but you could definitely try another kind... I am thinking the Shallot & Chives or Cracked Pepper ones would work equally well.
This meal is great when you want something hot and creamy but don't really feel like cooking. It's all made in one pot, so the dishes won't be bad either!
Recipe notes & tips:
- Don't like spinach? Leave it out and make this a 2-ingredient meal. 😉
- This recipe can definitely be used as a base for further additions. Some possible additions: sun-dried or cherry/grape tomatoes, broccoli, cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage, olives, fresh herbs (try basil and/or chives), some freshly grated parmesan cheese... the possibilities are definitely there!
- There isn't much skill required in making this recipe other than making sure you don't add too much of the hot pasta water at once. Add it in sloooowly so the pasta doesn't end up too watery.
- Feel free to swap the penne with a different shape of pasta.
What to serve with Boursin pasta:
Try garlic bread/breadsticks or a lighter side salad. This pasta would work great as a side dish for something like my Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
More easy pasta recipes to try:
- Easy Creamy Lemon Pasta
- Easy Canned Tuna Pasta (Ready in 15 Minutes!)
- Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Creamy Penne Pasta
Will you give this creamy Boursin pasta recipe a try? Made it? Let me know in the comments below. If you enjoyed the recipe, I'd love if you shared it with a friend!
Boursin Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked penne
- 1 (5.2 ounce/150g) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Important: reserve about a cup of the pasta water before you drain it (I just use a Pyrex measuring cup).
- Drain the pasta, then add it right back into the pot it was cooked in (take it off the burner). Add the Boursin cheese and a small splash (a few tablespoons or so) of the pasta water. Toss (I use two spoons) until you've got the sauce the consistency that you want, gradually adding in more of the pasta water as needed. You likely won't need to use most of it.
- Add in the spinach and continue tossing the pasta until everything is nicely coated in sauce. Cover the pot and let it wilt for a minute or two, then serve. Add some salt & pepper if needed.
Notes
- Serves 2-4 depending on how much people eat/what else it's served with.
- This pasta is great as a side dish.
- The residual heat from the hot pot, steaming pasta, and the pasta water will melt the cheese and make a deliciously creamy sauce.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Doug Barton says
I’m making this right now for the 2nd time. It’s so delicious and so easy. It means I can spend time doing some great veg as accompaniment. Awesome as ever, thanks Natasha.
Natasha says
You're very welcome, Doug!! So glad you like it. And appreciate you leaving me a comment. 🙂
winegirl says
Oh man, this sounds amazing. Totally going to make this, once I'm back on carbs again! It would be super with their fig and balsamic version (but I can never seem to find it anywhere!) and some crispy prosciutto!
Natasha says
I didn't even know that one existed! Not sure if we get it in Canada or not. I hope you enjoy it. Agree on the prosciutto... mmmm!
Noelle Norton says
My hubby and son can't eat spinach (their stomachs just can't deal). Would kale be a decent substitute?
Natasha says
I think that would be fine... but you may want to steam it first since it won't soften up as quickly as spinach.
Dolores LeDoux says
Made this today. It was delicious. How would I reheat this (if I had any leftover)
Natasha says
Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I would just reheat it on a low heat (probably covered in a saucepan). Creamy sauces don't always reheat great, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth to it if the texture seems a little off.
Claire Worthington says
I've been teaching myself how to cook during the past year and while it's great being able to do more complex dishes, sometimes you want something quick. Adding peas to this is a lovely thing as well as sliced radishes. 🙂
Natasha says
Love those suggestions! 🙂
Doreen says
I found this on instagram a few days ago and was instantly hooked on the idea. I tried it today, using fresh gnocchi which are even faster to prepare and still give enough starch to the cooking water. The meal was ready within less than ten minutes and tasted great. I didn‘t even know that Boursin was still for sale over here in Germany, but I found it in one of the better stocked supermarkets. Thanks a lot for this, I guess this will become a regular thing for the times I am not in the mood for time-consuming cooking.
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that, Doreen!! I love the idea of using it with gnocchi! 😀
Robin says
Would you cook shrimp separately and then add? Or could you just toss it in with the sauce since shrimp cooks so quickly?
Natasha says
I think you could do either. I would probably could them separately just to get a nice sear and perhaps cook them with a little garlic and ensure they're exactly how you want them.
Stephanie says
Made this last night - it was wonderful! Used steamed broccoli in place of the spinach. (Enjoyed a small bowl for breakfast today!) Love your recipes!
Natasha says
I'm so happy that you enjoyed it and it worked well with broccoli!! 🙂 Thank you, Stephanie!
David A Morton says
Cooked it tonight and replaced spinach with basil microgreens, which added a nice subtle flavor. One diner didn't enjoy the stems of the greens but everyone else were fine with it. Loved it and a great meatless meal. I also added a cup or more of halved cherry tomatoes. It's a total keeper!
Natasha says
Fabulous!! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Ramya says
Will be making this soon can i use vegan cheese instead as am a vegan i love pasta sooooooooooooo much perfect for my after office meals will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Natasha says
Enjoy!