Description
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (cubed)
8 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Herb Cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add sliced mushrooms and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, cooking until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and stir well.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook Chicken: Pat chicken dry and cube. Season generously. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains. Transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the entire package of Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine: Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans or broccoli. For a restaurant-style touch, offer a side of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbal notes of the Boursin perfectly.
How-to Summary
This 30-minute meal involves cooking pasta, browning seasoned chicken, and sautéing mushrooms and garlic. The creamy sauce is made by melting Boursin Garlic & Herb cheese with heavy cream in the same skillet. Everything is combined, finished with Parmesan, and garnished with fresh parsley for a decadent, one-pan dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle work well. Choose shapes that hold creamy sauces.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use a light Boursin variety. You can also increase the vegetable content with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
What can I use instead of Boursin? Combine 8 oz of full-fat cream cheese with 2 tbsp of softened butter, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, and a generous mix of dried herbs like chives, dill, and garlic powder.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are excellent additions. Add leafy greens at the end of cooking to wilt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it will become dry. Cook just until no longer pink. Do not rush the sauce; melt the Boursin over low-medium heat to prevent separation or scorching. Finally, never skip salting your pasta water—it’s essential for seasoning the pasta itself.
Conclusion
Chicken Boursin Pasta is the ultimate weeknight luxury, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the uniquely creamy, herb-infused Boursin sauce creates a comforting dish that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Its versatility and quick cook time make it a reliable recipe for both busy evenings and impressing guests.