If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Boursin Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful pasta combines tender chicken bites with a rich, velvety sauce made from smooth Boursin cheese and a touch of heavy cream. Every forkful balances savory, garlicky goodness and comforting creaminess, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses friends and family with minimal fuss. The combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients results in a pasta that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this luscious pasta, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in shaping the taste, texture, and appearance, turning a simple meal into something unforgettable.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli): These shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously coated.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they add protein and a tender texture that pairs wonderfully with the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a perfect cooking base for the chicken and adds a hint of fruitiness.
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor): This cheese is the star, giving the dish its signature creamy, savory depth with herbal notes.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create the silky sauce that clings to every pasta piece.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that elevates all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the creamy elements.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness to the finished dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Boursin Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an ideal al dente texture. This ensures the pasta stays firm enough to hold the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper as you go. Cook until the chicken is nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step forms a flavorful base for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Next, toss the minced garlic into the pan with the chicken and sauté it for roughly 1 minute. This brief cooking releases the garlic’s fragrant oils, ensuring it doesn’t burn but rather infuses subtle flavor into the dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens into a smooth, luscious consistency that’s undeniably inviting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Parmesan
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, then toss everything together so the noodles are thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. This step is where all the flavors really come together beautifully.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Give the dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if necessary. This ensures the balance of flavors is just right before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the pasta. This simple garnish adds a vibrant splash of green and a fresh herbal note, bringing brightness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Serve this dish warm, and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Boursin Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a twist by topping the pasta with toasted pine nuts or a few shavings of extra Parmesan cheese. These little touches add texture and an extra layer of flavor that invites more enjoyment with every bite.
Side Dishes
Since the pasta is creamy and rich, light sides work best here. Try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic asparagus. These add brightness and freshness, balancing the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the creamy chicken Boursin pasta in individual shallow bowls with a small parsley sprig on top. You can also drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or a few drops of aged balsamic vinegar around the rim for a gourmet touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken Boursin pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to preserve the texture and flavor.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese is key for the unique flavor of this recipe, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic. The texture will be creamy but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are great because their curves and holes catch the sauce wonderfully. However, you can use any pasta you like, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Since the sauce holds up well after refrigeration, this is a fantastic recipe to prepare in advance for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. The creamy Boursin sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of veggie options.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Consider reducing the heavy cream to 1/4 cup and adding some chicken broth to lighten the sauce. Using low-fat cream cheese in place of Boursin can also reduce richness without sacrificing too much flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Chicken Boursin Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and steps. Its silky sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting meal you’ll want to return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy it is to bring a bit of gourmet magic to your table with this crowd-pleaser.
Print
Creamy Chicken Boursin Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked with garlic and herbs, enveloped in a rich sauce made with Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. This quick and easy dish combines al dente pasta with a luscious garlic & herb cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 oz Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Mix continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, tossing everything together to fully coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use penne or fusilli pasta as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh garlic gives the best flavor but feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- For a lower fat version, reduce the olive oil and use a lighter cream alternative.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
