If you are craving a comforting yet surprisingly effortless pasta dish, this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender rigatoni pasta with a luscious, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce and savory ground meat, all simmered to perfection in one pot. Every bite delivers a velvety texture and rich flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a quick way to elevate weeknight dinners with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for busy nights or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create a dish that is bursting with flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component plays a unique role: the hearty meat adds depth, the spices bring warmth, and the creamy Boursin cheese finishes it all off with a delightful herbaceous richness.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose either for rich, savory flavor and a satisfying bite.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that enhances every ingredient.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Elevates the onion flavor ensuring it penetrates every bite.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky profile without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs essential to traditional Italian flair.
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara: Provides the tomato base with tangy sweetness and body.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every nook.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory note that elevates the sauce.
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese: The star of the dish, delivering a rich, creamy texture with fresh herb flavors.
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving: Offers a salty, nutty finish that complements the creamy sauce.
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds color and a fresh herbal aroma as a bright contrast.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a Dutch oven over medium heat and adding your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. As the meat browns, the onions become soft and sweet, while the garlic releases its aromatic oils, creating a fragrant base. Be sure to drain any excess grease once browned to keep the dish from becoming too oily without losing that meaty richness.
Step 2: Season with Spices
Now, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These spices layer in extra depth and authentic Italian flavors. Stir them in well so they meld with the meat mixture—this little step transforms the sauce’s character entirely.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Broth
Next, pour in your jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara, add the rigatoni pasta, and pour over the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine everything evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The rigatoni will soak up the flavorful broth and sauce as it cooks, making every bite delightfully saucy.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Perfect
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until your rigatoni is perfectly al dente. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the flavors through the pasta.
Step 5: Stir in the Boursin Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, add the Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese. Stir it in until it melts completely, turning the sauce into a luxuriously creamy, flavorful masterpiece. This step is where the magic happens and truly sets this recipe apart.
Step 6: Season to Taste and Serve
Give your creation a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan for that perfect finishing touch that elevates the dish both visually and on the palate.
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. Don’t forget the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which melts ever so slightly when added just before serving, adding an irresistible salty depth to each forkful.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or garlic-roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A crusty bread or garlic knots are also excellent choices, allowing you to soak up any leftover sauce and enhance the meal’s comforting vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your creamy rigatoni in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers to impress guests. You can also sprinkle with some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an added texture and flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a great next-day lunch or an easy reheat dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for a busy week, this dish freezes well. Allow the rigatoni to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep up to 2 months in the freezer without losing its creamy, delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese gives this dish its signature creamy, garlicky flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if needed. However, the unique texture and taste of Boursin truly elevate the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables instead. Just cook them well in step 1 before adding the other ingredients for an equally satisfying meal.
Can I prepare this recipe without the chicken broth?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Keep in mind that broth adds flavor depth, so if using water, you might want to boost the seasoning a bit.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is not spicy at all; it’s more about savory and herbaceous flavors. You can always add red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
What’s the best way to cook rigatoni so it isn’t mushy in this one-pot method?
Using the right amount of liquid and keeping the heat at a gentle simmer ensures the rigatoni cooks to al dente without becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the pasta a couple of minutes before the recommended time.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels luxurious but comes together with minimal effort, this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s a beautiful blend of ease, comfort, and incredible flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this simple recipe turns into your next favorite comfort food masterpiece!
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Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef or Italian sausage is browned with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered with rigatoni pasta in a savory marinara sauce enhanced by Italian spices. The star ingredient, Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese, is stirred in at the end to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite. Garnished with fresh parsley and parmesan, this meal serves six and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving
Garnish
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to evenly coat the meat mixture and build layers of flavor.
- Combine Sauces, Pasta, and Broth: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce, rigatoni pasta, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start cooking the pasta.
- Simmer: Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rigatoni is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Stir in the Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese until it melts completely, creating a luscious and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed for balance and seasoning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with dried or fresh parsley and serve topped generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs can be a substitute.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
