Boursin Chicken Pasta

Looking for a dinner recipe that is both flavorful and easy to make? Boursin chicken pasta is a deliciously creamy dish that combines tender chicken, savory Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken mixed with a velvety cheese sauce that perfectly coats each piece of pasta—it’s comforting, satisfying, and makes the perfect dinner after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or for a special occasion, this pasta with Boursin cheese will quickly become a favorite. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to bake thin chicken breast in the oven for extra tenderness, and combine it with a rich Boursin cheese tomato pasta that is sure to please everyone.

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Why You’ll Love This Boursin Chicken Pasta Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Boursin chicken pasta recipe. First, it uses simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Boursin cheese adds a wonderfully creamy and garlicky texture to the pasta, while the baked thin chicken breast remains juicy and tender. This dish is also versatile; you can make it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s flavorful enough to serve to guests on a special occasion. Plus, Boursin pasta is a crowd-pleaser—you’ll love how easily it comes together.

What is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin cheese is a creamy, herb-flavored cheese originating from France. It is soft, spreadable, and typically comes infused with garlic and fine herbs, giving it a unique flavor that works wonders in pasta dishes. Boursin cheese adds an elegant touch to meals, elevating even the simplest ingredients to gourmet status. In this Boursin chicken pasta recipe, the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that perfectly coats the pasta and chicken.

How to Bake Thin Chicken Breast in the Oven

For this recipe, we’ll bake thin chicken breast in the oven to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly and remains juicy. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step guarantees that the chicken in your Boursin chicken pasta stays tender and flavorful.

Tips for Making the Perfect Boursin Chicken Pasta

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Boursin cheese for the best flavor. The garlic and herb flavors are essential for making the sauce stand out.
• Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta until al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This helps it hold up well when combined with the creamy Boursin sauce.
• Boursin Cheese Tomato Pasta: Adding cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the Boursin cheese sauce can give the dish an extra layer of tanginess and freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese.

Adding Vegetables to Boursin Chicken Pasta

If you want to make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some vegetables to your Boursin pasta. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions to this creamy pasta dish. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding the Boursin cheese and cooked pasta to the pan, ensuring everything is well combined. The vegetables add not only flavor but also a delightful crunch to the pasta, making it a wholesome meal.

Cooking Tips for Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve about a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the Boursin cheese sauce, ensuring it perfectly coats every piece of pasta.
• Use Fresh Herbs: To elevate your Boursin chicken pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. The herbs add a pop of color and extra flavor, making this dish restaurant-worthy.

Variations of Boursin Chicken Pasta

While the classic Boursin chicken pasta is always a hit, there are many variations you can try to switch things up. You can substitute the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist, or replace the regular pasta with a gluten-free or whole wheat option if you prefer. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a slight kick. You can also add roasted cherry tomatoes to create a delightful Boursin cheese tomato pasta that bursts with flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Boursin Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store the Boursin chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce. You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

Nutritional Information About Boursin Chicken Pasta

This Boursin chicken pasta is rich and flavorful, making it a satisfying meal. Each serving typically contains around 500-600 calories, depending on the portion size. The dish is high in protein, thanks to the chicken, and contains healthy fats from the cheese. It also provides carbohydrates for energy, making it an ideal dinner option after a long day.

Side Dishes to Serve with Boursin Chicken Pasta

Wondering what to serve with Boursin chicken pasta? Garlic bread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with this creamy dish. You can also serve a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, are also great side dish options that complement the flavors of the pasta without overpowering it.

Health Benefits of Ingredients in Boursin Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: The lean protein in chicken breast is a great source of essential amino acids that help with muscle repair and growth. It is also low in fat, making it a healthier protein choice for dinner, especially when baked instead of fried.

Boursin Cheese: Boursin cheese is rich in calcium, which supports strong bones. Although it contains fats, these fats help with satiety, making you feel fuller for longer. The herbs in Boursin cheese also provide antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health.

Tomatoes: The cherry tomatoes in this dish are packed with vitamins A and C. These nutrients help boost the immune system and improve skin health. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health benefits.

Olive Oil: Olive oil, used for baking the chicken and cooking the sauce, is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Pairing Wine with Boursin Chicken Pasta

If you enjoy pairing your meals with wine, Boursin chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a light to medium-bodied white wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well, as the acidity of the wine helps cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. If you prefer red wine, opt for a lighter variety like Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the pasta and cheese.

How to Make Boursin Chicken Pasta in Advance

You can make parts of this dish ahead of time to simplify the cooking process on a busy evening. The chicken can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before making the pasta. You can also prepare the Boursin cheese sauce in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the chicken, and combine everything in a pan until warm.

Making Boursin Chicken Pasta for Special Occasions

Boursin chicken pasta is an excellent choice for special occasions because it feels indulgent while still being easy to prepare. For a romantic dinner, consider serving it with a side of roasted asparagus and a glass of wine. You could also double the recipe to serve a small gathering of friends. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and grated Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation that will impress your guests.

The Best Types of Pasta to Use for Boursin Chicken Pasta

When choosing pasta for Boursin chicken pasta, it’s important to pick a variety that can hold up well to the creamy sauce. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are all excellent choices. Penne and rigatoni have ridges that help trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Fettuccine, on the other hand, provides a wide surface area that allows the rich Boursin cheese sauce to cling beautifully. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta to see which one you enjoy the most with this dish.

How to Make Boursin Chicken Pasta a One-Pot Meal

If you want to cut down on dishes, consider making Boursin chicken pasta a one-pot meal. Start by searing the chicken in a large pan, then set it aside while you prepare the sauce in the same skillet. Once the Boursin cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, mixing until everything is coated in the sauce. Not only does this reduce cleanup, but it also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully for a more cohesive dish.

Adjusting the Creaminess of Boursin Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about Boursin chicken pasta is how customizable it is, particularly when it comes to the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half when melting the Boursin cheese. For those who prefer a lighter version, consider adding a bit of chicken broth to thin out the sauce while still maintaining its rich flavor. This flexibility allows you to adjust the recipe to your taste or dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.

Serving Boursin Chicken Pasta for Family Gatherings

Boursin chicken pasta is ideal for serving at family gatherings because it is simple to make in large quantities and suits a variety of tastes. The recipe can be effortlessly scaled up to serve a larger group, making it easy to double or even triple the quantity. To make serving even easier, prepare all the components ahead of time and simply mix the chicken, pasta, and sauce together just before your guests arrive. This ensures you have more time to spend with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen, while still presenting a dish that feels special and indulgent.

Using Leftover Boursin Chicken Pasta Creatively

If you have leftover Boursin chicken pasta and are looking for a way to switch it up, consider using it as a base for a pasta bake. Simply place the leftovers in a baking dish, top with some grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, and bake in the oven at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You could also add in any leftover roasted vegetables to make it even heartier. This transforms your leftovers into a completely new meal, minimizing waste while maximizing flavor.

FAQ About Boursin Chicken Pasta

How long can chicken pasta stay in the fridge?
Boursin chicken pasta can stay in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What is a substitute for Boursin cheese in pasta?
A good substitute for Boursin cheese is cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. You can also use goat cheese or a garlic and herb soft cheese spread.

How do you serve Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese can be served as a spread on crackers or bread, used as a dip for vegetables, or melted into sauces, like in this pasta recipe, to add creamy texture and flavor.

How much sugar is in chicken pasta?
This Boursin chicken pasta contains very little sugar. The exact amount depends on the type of pasta and any additional ingredients, such as tomatoes, but it’s typically less than 5 grams per serving.