Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

Are you ready to treat yourself to a creamy, delicious, and satisfying dish? This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food with its velvety sauce and tender chicken that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Whether you're cooking for a family meal or a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering pasta recipe, and don’t forget to check out our tips and variations to make it uniquely yours!

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and herb-infused Boursin cheese, tender pieces of chicken, and a variety of seasonings to create a luscious, indulgent sauce. The smooth texture of Boursin cheese melts into the pasta, offering a one-of-a-kind creaminess that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian pasta or looking for something more creative and exciting, this recipe is perfect for any pasta lover.

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

To make this rich and flavorful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): 2 large or 3 medium
• Pasta: 12 oz of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best)
• Boursin cheese: 5.2 oz (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: ½ cup
• Spinach (optional): 2 cups, fresh
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon for some heat
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): 2 tablespoons, chopped

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta (Vegetarian Option)

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this recipe, here’s how you can adapt the ingredients:

• Pasta: 12 oz of your choice
• Boursin cheese: 5.2 oz (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth: ½ cup
• Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (replaces chicken)
• Spinach: 2 cups, fresh
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about making the recipe work for you! Here are some ideas to personalize this dish:

• Protein swaps: Instead of chicken, you could use shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage to add different flavors and textures.
• Cheese alternatives: If you can't find Boursin cheese, try substituting with goat cheese or a garlic and herb cream cheese. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Pasta choices: While penne and fettuccine work wonderfully, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or even gnocchi.
• Vegetarian version: As mentioned, replace chicken with mushrooms or zucchini to create a hearty, meatless version of this recipe.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your Boursin cheese is certified gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let's dive into the detailed cooking process so you can make this delicious Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta with ease.

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the Boursin cheese: Stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, and lower the heat to a simmer. Let the cheese melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Finish with seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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

1. Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions.
2. Step 2: Cook and sear chicken breasts in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Prepare the creamy garlic herb sauce with Boursin cheese, garlic, broth, and heavy cream.
4. Step 4: Toss cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and sauce together, adjusting seasoning and sauce consistency.
5. Step 5: Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and chewy.
• Skipping the pasta water: Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce and helps it adhere to the pasta better.
• Not adjusting the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning at the end of cooking. You may need more salt, pepper, or even a touch of acidity (like a squeeze of lemon) to balance the richness of the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a big role in how enjoyable a dish is. Here are a few tips to make your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta look as good as it tastes:

• Serve in shallow bowls: Pasta looks best when served in wide, shallow bowls that allow the sauce and garnishes to shine.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top of each plate for a pop of color and freshness.
• Parmesan curls: Use a vegetable peeler to create Parmesan cheese curls to place on top of the pasta for an elegant touch.

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Pair with a salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the pasta.
• Serve with garlic bread: Nothing beats a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the creamy Boursin cheese sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

For an Instagram-worthy presentation, try some of these ideas:

• Twirl the pasta: Twirl individual portions of pasta into nests and place them on plates. Top each with a slice or two of chicken and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• Garnish with microgreens: Add a few microgreens or edible flowers for a fresh and elegant garnish that takes your plating to the next level.
• Serve family-style: Present the pasta in a large, shallow serving dish with the sliced chicken arranged artfully on top.

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

• Reheat gently: If you have leftovers, reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: The Boursin and Parmesan cheeses are essential for the flavor and creaminess of the sauce, so be generous!
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in taste and appearance. Always use fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, cook the pasta, and combine everything together.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
A: Yes, you can substitute with garlic and herb cream cheese, or even goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: To make this dairy-free, use a plant-based cream and vegan cream cheese, but note that the flavor will differ slightly.

Q: How can I add more vegetables?
A: You can add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or asparagus to the dish for added nutrition and texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is the perfect way to indulge in a creamy, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. With tender chicken, smooth Boursin cheese, and your favorite pasta, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will always impress. Try out some of the variations, and don’t forget to serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Enjoy!

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