Baked Boursin Pasta: Prepare to have your weeknight dinner routine revolutionized! Imagine this: creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese melting into perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of this viral sensation are somewhat shrouded in internet mystery, the concept of baking cheese with pasta is a time-honored tradition in many cultures. Think of Italian baked ziti or Greek pastitsio comforting, cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection. This Baked Boursin Pasta recipe takes that comforting tradition and elevates it with the unique, herbaceous flavor of Boursin cheese.

What makes this dish so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The creamy texture, the burst of garlic and herbs from the Boursin, and the satisfying chew of the pasta create a truly irresistible experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this Baked Boursin Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. I know it’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too!

Ingredients:

1 (5.2 ounce) package Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor recommended)
1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Optional additions: cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms

Preparing the Tomato and Boursin Base:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely roasted flavor.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Make sure they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the dish.
Scatter the minced garlic over the tomatoes. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic. Ensure everything is nicely coated. This will help them roast beautifully.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste is key, so don’t be afraid to season well.
Place the Boursin cheese in the center of the baking dish, nestled among the tomatoes. This will melt into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
If you like a little heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the tomatoes and cheese. This is entirely optional, so adjust to your preference.
Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and bursting, and the Boursin cheese is melted and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it; ovens can vary.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the tomatoes and Boursin are roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. I prefer to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This is liquid gold! The starchy water will help create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Creating the Sauce and Combining:

Once the tomatoes and Boursin are roasted, remove the baking dish from the oven.
Carefully mash the roasted tomatoes and Boursin cheese together with a fork or spoon. This will create a luscious, creamy sauce. Make sure to get all those delicious roasted bits from the bottom of the dish.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the tomato and Boursin sauce.
Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. You want the sauce to cling to the pasta.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. The basil adds a bright, fresh flavor, and the Parmesan adds a salty, savory note.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Optional Additions (Make it Your Own!):

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas:

Cooked Chicken or Shrimp: Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein boost.
Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Pesto: A dollop of pesto stirred in at the end would add a lovely herby flavor.

Serving and Enjoying:

Serve the baked Boursin pasta immediately.
Garnish with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
This dish is best enjoyed warm.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Tips for Success:

Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente is the way to go!
Use good quality olive oil. It makes a difference in the flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. While Boursin is the star of the show, you could try adding a little goat cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Get creative with the toppings! The possibilities are endless.

Variations:

Spicy Baked Boursin Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture for a spicier kick. You could also use a spicy Boursin cheese if you can find it.
Vegetarian Baked Boursin Pasta: Keep it vegetarian by adding plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Roast them alongside the tomatoes for extra flavor.
Baked Boursin Pasta with Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) and add it to the pasta before serving. This adds a hearty and flavorful element to the dish.
Creamy Baked Boursin Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an even creamier sauce.

Make Ahead Tips:

You can roast the tomatoes and Boursin cheese ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together.
You can also assemble the entire dish (except for cooking the pasta) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cooked pasta and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this baked Boursin pasta as a main course for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties.
Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pair it with a glass of your favorite wine. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine would be a good choice.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving (depending on additions)
Protein: 20-25 grams
Fat: 30-40 grams
Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams

Enjoy your delicious and easy Baked Boursin Pasta! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Baked Boursin Pasta recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity the Boursin cheese melts into a luscious sauce, coating every strand of pasta in a blanket of pure deliciousness. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little bit of that in their life? But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or even some crispy bacon. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, roasted broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. And for those who like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will definitely do the trick. Serving suggestions are endless! This Baked Boursin Pasta is wonderful on its own as a satisfying main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping. Imagine twirling a forkful of that creamy pasta, then sopping up the remaining sauce with a piece of warm bread pure bliss! You could also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even fish. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress. Don’t be intimidated by the “baked” aspect it’s incredibly easy. The oven does all the work, melting the cheese and creating a beautiful golden crust on top. Plus, the baking process intensifies the flavors, making it even more irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! I’m so excited for you to try this Baked Boursin Pasta recipe. It’s a guaranteed winner, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience pasta perfection. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve made this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with? I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So, don’t be shy let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Baked Boursin Pasta success stories!