Creamy Boursin Pasta

This creamy Boursin pasta has become my ultimate comfort food solution for hectic weeknights. The velvety sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort and just five simple ingredients.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed something impressive yet effortless. Since then, it has become my secret weapon for last-minute dinner guests who always assume I spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta provides the perfect texture and surface area for catching the creamy sauce. Quality dried pasta works beautifully here
• Butter creates the rich foundation for the sauce. European-style butter with higher fat content elevates the flavor noticeably
• Garlic cloves add essential aromatic depth. Fresh garlic makes a significant difference compared to pre-minced varieties
• Heavy cream forms the luxurious base of our sauce. Look for cream with the highest fat percentage available for best results
• Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese is the star ingredient that instantly adds complex flavor without requiring multiple herbs and seasonings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

Cook your fettuccine according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This water contains valuable starch that can help adjust sauce consistency later if needed.

Create the Sauce Base

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and cook gently for one to two minutes. Watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly. You want it fragrant but not browned which would create bitterness.

Develop the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken during this time. You'll know it's ready when you can draw a spoon through it and see a momentary path before it fills back in.

Incorporate the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and add the entire container of Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and incorporates into the cream, creating a smooth cohesive sauce. This usually takes about 2 minutes of gentle stirring.

Combine and Finish

Add your drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Bookmark

The Boursin cheese is what makes this dish truly special. The first time I served this to my sister, she insisted I must have used at least ten different herbs and seasonings. The look on her face when I showed her the empty Boursin container was priceless.

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta pairs beautifully with acidic counterpoints like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted tomatoes on the side. The brightness cuts through the creamy richness and creates a balanced meal. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted salmon.

Making It Ahead

While best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare this pasta ahead of time. The sauce will thicken considerably when refrigerated, so when reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating tends to make the sauce separate, so stovetop is preferred for maintaining that silky texture.

Creative Variations

This basic recipe serves as a perfect canvas for customization. Try folding in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy dimension, adding steamed asparagus for color and texture, or incorporating peas and prosciutto for a classic Italian-inspired combination. For heat lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this Boursin pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the fettuccine. The sauce itself contains no gluten, so the pasta is the only ingredient you need to swap.

→ What can I add to make this Boursin pasta a complete meal?

You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to make it a more substantial main dish. The creamy sauce complements these additions beautifully.

→ Can I use a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version. While you could use pasta water, broth will provide more flavor. Note that the sauce may be slightly less creamy with these substitutions.

→ What if my Boursin sauce becomes too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce while maintaining its creamy texture.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta besides fettuccine?

Absolutely! This versatile sauce works well with many pasta shapes. Try penne, rigatoni, linguine, or even shells – any pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well will be delicious.

→ What other flavors of Boursin cheese would work in this pasta?

While the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety is specified, other Boursin flavors like Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper would also create delicious variations of this pasta dish.