If you're looking for a rich, indulgent pasta dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare, this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is exactly what you need! It's creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, savory garlic, and the herby goodness of Boursin cheese, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to create a restaurant-quality meal at home? Read on to discover the ingredients, variations, cooking steps, and tips to make the perfect Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta!
What Is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender, sautéed chicken with a creamy sauce made from Boursin cheese. Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy, herb-infused cheese originating from France. It melts beautifully, making it a perfect base for a luxurious pasta sauce. In this dish, the creaminess of the cheese is complemented by garlic, herbs, and a few additional ingredients to bring out the best flavors in the chicken and pasta.
Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
To make this recipe, you'll need a combination of fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect dish. Here's what you need:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work especially well for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Boursin Cheese: The star of the show! Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs is a popular variety, but feel free to experiment with different flavors.
- Heavy Cream: To enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the sauce and adds more depth to the flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds a lovely cheesy finish.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the dish to perfection.
- Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): For garnish and added freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is its versatility. Here are a few substitutions and variations to suit your dietary preferences or to shake things up:
- Protein Options: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms for a different twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream to create a similar creamy consistency without the dairy.
- Add Veggies: Include some vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta option like shirataki noodles.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta? Let’s break down the cooking process into easy-to-follow steps:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any bits off the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Final Touches:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch (optional).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
How to Cook Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a concise guide for the perfect Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:
- Cook pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente.
- Sauté chicken: Season, cook in olive oil, and set aside.
- Make sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth, and stir in Boursin cheese and cream.
- Combine: Toss pasta, chicken, and sauce together. Add pasta water to thin sauce if needed.
- Garnish: Finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be tricky sometimes, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Avoid dry chicken by cooking it just until it reaches 165°F, then remove it from the heat.
- Curdled Sauce: Make sure to reduce the heat when adding the cheese and cream to avoid curdling. Gentle heat will ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Undersalted Pasta Water: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your one chance to season the pasta itself.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: The starchy water helps to create a silkier sauce, so don’t forget to reserve some before draining the pasta.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is not only delicious but can also be a beautiful dish to present. Here’s how to serve and elevate the presentation:
- How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:
- Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy. Use shallow bowls to keep the pasta contained and to allow the sauce to pool around the noodles.
- Add a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
- Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:
- Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten up the richness of the dish.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you're cooking for a larger crowd or want to have leftovers.
- Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes! While Boursin cheese is the star, you can substitute it with cream cheese, goat cheese, or a mix of soft cheeses.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your Boursin cheese and broth are also gluten-free.
- What type of pasta works best?
- Penne, fettuccine, and rotini are great options because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
- The pasta might become mushy when frozen, but you can freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a decadent, creamy pasta dish that's perfect for any meal, whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests. With tender chicken, rich Boursin cheese, and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a gourmet dinner in no time. Follow the tips, avoid common mistakes, and get creative with substitutions and variations to make this recipe your own. Ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home? Start cooking today, and don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that final touch!
PrintChicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, indulgent meal packed with tender chicken, garlic-infused Boursin cheese, and pasta. Perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish combines rich, savory flavors with minimal prep time. A must-try for cheese lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 package Boursin cheese (garlic and herb)
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- For a thinner sauce, add a bit of reserved pasta water.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, and feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
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