Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

Looking for a rich, creamy, and delicious pasta dish that’s easy to make yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests? Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is your answer! This delightful dish combines tender chicken, smooth Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers all the flavor you need. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and tricks to master this dish!

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a comforting pasta dish made with succulent chicken breast and creamy Boursin cheese, blended into a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Boursin cheese, a type of soft, spreadable cheese flavored with garlic and herbs, is the key ingredient that makes this pasta both luxurious and incredibly flavorful. Paired with seasoned chicken, this dish offers a perfect balance of rich creaminess and savory protein, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this indulgent pasta recipe:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 package (5.2 oz) of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (in case you need to thin the sauce)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach (for extra greens)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for a burst of sweetness)
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms (for extra umami)

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences? Here are some easy swaps and variations:

• Cheese Substitute: If you can’t find Boursin cheese, try substituting with another soft, herbed cheese like Alouette or even cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs.
• Pasta Options: While this recipe calls for pasta like penne or fettuccine, you can use any shape of pasta you prefer. Gluten-free pasta also works well in this recipe.
• Low-Calorie Option: Swap the heavy cream for light cream or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dish. It won’t be as rich, but it will still taste great!
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and load up on vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers to make a hearty vegetarian pasta dish.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down this recipe into easy-to-follow steps to ensure you get the perfect Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the rest, as you might need it later to thin the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce

• In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
• Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Toss in any optional ingredients, such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, and let them cook for 1-2 minutes until they soften.
• Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, and gently mix everything together until well-combined.

How to Cook Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with spices and cook in a skillet until golden brown and fully cooked.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente and reserve some pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, simmer chicken broth, and melt Boursin cheese with heavy cream to create a velvety sauce.
4. Combine: Toss the pasta and chicken in the sauce, adjusting the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan, then enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, and overcooking will leave them dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F and no more.
• Clumpy Sauce: To avoid clumpy sauce, make sure the Boursin cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the cream before adding the pasta.
• Too Thick Sauce: If your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches a silky consistency.
• Undercooked Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked to al dente to maintain the best texture. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Making your dish look as good as it tastes is part of the experience! Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Serve the pasta immediately after cooking to ensure the sauce remains creamy and luscious.
• For a family-style presentation, place the pasta in a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
• Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for that final touch of indulgence.
• You can also drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of balsamic glaze for a gourmet presentation.
• Use colorful plates or bowls to make the creamy pasta visually stand out.

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Boursin: Let the Boursin cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce; this helps it melt more smoothly.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water—it’s a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce without diluting the flavor.
• Timing is Key: To avoid the sauce thickening too much while you’re preparing other components, try to time your pasta, chicken, and sauce so that they finish around the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?
A: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or chickpeas.

Q: What can I use instead of Boursin cheese?
A: If Boursin is unavailable, you can use cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or other soft cheeses like Alouette.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it's best served fresh, you can make the components ahead of time. Store the sauce and chicken separately, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. With tender chicken, rich Boursin cheese, and a silky sauce that coats every bite, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—you can make substitutions, add veggies, or even spice it up! Give this dish a try, and don’t forget to garnish it beautifully before serving. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll have an elegant yet simple meal ready to impress anyone, from family to guests. Happy cooking!

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