If you're a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes, then this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is exactly what you need in your kitchen! This recipe combines tender chicken, a luxurious Boursin cheese sauce, and al dente pasta to create a comforting, savory dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but itโs also simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for a dinner party. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering recipe, tips for perfecting it, and how you can tweak it to suit your taste. Letโs dive into this creamy, cheesy pasta goodness!

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a flavorful pasta dish that combines seasoned, sautรฉed chicken breast with a rich, creamy sauce made from Boursin cheese, a soft and herbed cheese with a buttery consistency. Boursin cheese melts beautifully into a luscious sauce, coating every strand of pasta with its velvety texture. Paired with tender chunks of chicken and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers a gourmet feel without the hassle of complicated techniques. Itโs an ideal dish for anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheese and savory chicken in a pasta dish.
Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
To create this delectable Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta, you will need a few simple and accessible ingredients. Hereโs a full breakdown of what youโll need to make this creamy pasta dish:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (about ยพ pound) pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Boursin Cheese Sauce:
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- ยฝ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- ยผ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is how versatile it is. If you're missing an ingredient or looking to change things up, here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Pasta: While penne and fettuccine are popular choices, you can use any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta are great options.
- Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Alternatively, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, you can skip the chicken entirely and add sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Boursin cheese: If you can't find Boursin cheese, you can use herbed cream cheese or even goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Lighter version: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it wonโt be quite as rich and creamy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients, letโs get started on preparing this delicious Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to cook each component perfectly.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt.
- Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta shape.
- Drain the pasta and reserve ยฝ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Boursin Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sautรฉ for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Lower the heat and add the Boursin cheese, breaking it up with a spoon as it melts into the sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the sliced chicken pieces and allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to Cook Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Hereโs a condensed version of the steps:
- Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear seasoned chicken breasts in a hot pan until fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Sautรฉ garlic, add broth and cream, then melt in Boursin cheese and Parmesan for a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Mix pasta and chicken into the sauce, simmer briefly, and serve with fresh herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken just until it reaches 165ยฐF to keep it juicy. Overcooked chicken can turn out dry and chewy.
- Undercooking the pasta: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
- Thick sauce: If your sauce becomes too thick, donโt hesitate to add a splash of reserved pasta water or additional broth to loosen it up.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a truly restaurant-quality presentation, consider these serving and presentation tips to make your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta stand out.
How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
- Serve the pasta in large shallow bowls for a rustic, Italian-inspired presentation.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of color and freshness.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
- Serve with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to balance out the richness of the dish.
- For a cozy touch, serve the pasta in a large skillet or casserole dish, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style.
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips
- Donโt skip the pasta water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce while maintaining its creamy consistency.
- Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or chives right before serving adds freshness and brightens the dish.
- Experiment with add-ins: You can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can freeze the sauce and chicken for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese flavored with herbs and garlic. Itโs perfect for making creamy pasta sauces because it melts smoothly.
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! Shrimp, grilled sausage, or even tofu work well as substitutes for chicken in this recipe.
Conclusion
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is an incredibly flavorful, creamy dish thatโs sure to become a favorite in your home. With tender chicken, a rich and velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe offers comfort food at its finest. Whether youโre cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Follow our tips for substitutions, perfect presentation, and avoiding common mistakes to create a restaurant-worthy meal. Now, itโs time to get into the kitchen and enjoy this delightful pasta recipe!
PrintChicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is a creamy, indulgent meal made with simple ingredients like Boursin cheese, chicken, and pasta. A perfect, quick dinner that blends the rich flavor of garlic and herbs with tender pasta for a satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 200g pasta of choice
- 1 package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sautรฉ garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- For more heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
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