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This Boursin cheese pasta recipe is a deliciously creamy meatless meal that only requires three ingredients and 20 minutes to make! It’s a satisfying weeknight dinner you’ll make again and again.
After you’ve tried this one, you’ll want to make my stovetop Boursin Orzo with Chicken or this Creamy Boursin Gnocchi next. If you’re craving pork, make my Boursin Pork Chops!
Why you’ll love it
This easy Boursin pasta with spinach is a lifesaver when you’re craving quick comfort food after work. I know a lot of people love Boursin cheese. My sister is actually the one who suggested this simple pasta 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 combining hot starchy pasta water and cheese, and magic happens. It’s made all in one pot, so the dishes won’t be bad either!
What you’ll need
- Pasta – I used penne because it’s a great shape for creamy sauces
- Boursin cheese – if you’re unfamiliar with Boursin, it’s a very mild-tasting French cream cheese that’s also known as Gournay and can be found in most major grocery stores. It melts very easily and tastes creamy, buttery, salty, and is fairly light. I used their Garlic and Fine Herbs variety.
- Spinach – to add a pop of freshness and balance
Pro tip
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 that the pasta doesn’t end up too watery.
How to make Boursin pasta
This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Cook the pasta al dente. Drain it, reserving some of the pasta water.
- Place the pasta back in the pot it was cooked in, and take it off the stove. Add in the Boursin cheese, some of the pasta water, and toss.
- When the sauce consistency you like is achieved, add the spinach and toss. Cover and let it wilt.
Substitutions and variations
- Try playing around with different varieties of Boursin. I am thinking the Shallot and Chives or Cracked Pepper ones would work equally well!
- Don’t like spinach? Leave it out and make this a two-ingredient meal. 😉
- This recipe can definitely be used as a base for further additions. Some possibilities include sun-dried or cherry/grape tomatoes, broccoli, peas, leftover Roast Chicken, shrimp, sausage, crumbled Oven Cooked Bacon, olives, garden herbs like basil or chives, or some freshly grated parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless.
- Feel free to swap the penne with a different shape of pasta. Something a similar size like rigatoni would work great.
What to serve with this pasta
- It’s filling as a vegetarian meal in itself, but you can’t go wrong pairing it with a slice of Garlic Bread, breadsticks, or a dinner roll.
- Try serving it with a light side salad to complement it. I like mixed greens and some veggies with my Olive Garden Salad Dressing.
- This pasta would work great as a side dish for my Parmesan Crusted Chicken or Easy Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe.
Leftovers and storage
- Boursin pasta will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days, but it’s one of those dishes that’s best eaten fresh.
- Reheat in a saucepan over a low heat slowly for best results. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce needs reviving.
- I don’t recommend freezing leftovers of this pasta.
Will you give this creamy Boursin pasta a try? Made it? Let me know in the comments below or tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram.
Ridiculously Easy 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Simple yet flavorful and delicious- just the way I like it!
Thank you so much!
I’ve made this a couple of times and I’ve added sautéed mushrooms and grilled chicken along spinach. It’s so easy and good!
Very happy it’s a go-to in your home, Karin! Thank you.
I made this last week and I can say is WOW! This was so good, creamy, smooth, quick and decadent. Will be making this again soon
Yay!! Thanks, Carol! 😀
Great the first night or leftover. I’ve been making this for years. I always add leftover bacon, chicken and mushrooms to this.
Thank you!
Just made this. So quick and easy. I used elbow macaroni worked fine.
Thank you!!
So easy. And so good.
Thanks, Gail!
Instead of spinach I use broccoli and simply add it to the pot when cooking the pasta
Excellent idea!
This was a crowd pleaser!!! Used rotini (just a pasta preference), lots of freshly ground parm and also lemon zest (we are a lemon family). I felt the lemon and acid gave it a little pop. thank you for sharing this easy and declicious dish!
Yay!! I’m so happy it was a hit, Jenn!!