Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you're looking for a meal that brings together tender chicken, rich Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is for you! With its smooth, creamy texture and savory flavors, this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your family or guests with this mouthwatering pasta recipe. Keep reading to discover the simple yet delicious steps to create this culinary masterpiece!

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What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that combines tender, cooked chicken with the rich, garlicky flavor of Boursin cheese. Boursin cheese, a soft, spreadable cheese mixed with herbs, garlic, and spices, melts beautifully into the pasta, creating a smooth sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and pasta. This dish offers a blend of savory and creamy elements, making it a comforting and indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare yet tastes gourmet.

Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Before diving into the cooking process, let's start by gathering the ingredients you'll need for this scrumptious Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe. Here's a full list:

• Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): 2 medium-sized breasts, cubed or thinly sliced
• Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): 1 package (about 5.2 oz)
• Pasta (your choice, but penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best): 12 oz
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing the chicken)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for added creaminess)
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (for thinning the sauce)
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, freshly grated
• Baby Spinach: 2 cups (optional, but adds color and nutrients)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own or adjust it based on dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Boursin Cheese: If you can’t find Boursin, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it’s a close alternative.
• Chicken: Swap the chicken breast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken entirely and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
• Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works just as well in this dish if you're looking for a healthier or gluten-free option.
• Extra Veggies: If you want to add more veggies, try incorporating broccoli, peas, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process to create this creamy and delectable Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta dish. Follow these steps carefully for the best results!

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed or sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

1. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

1. Create the Creamy Sauce:

• Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Boursin cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a rich, creamy texture.

1. Combine Everything Together:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy Boursin sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

1. Add Spinach and Parmesan:

• If using baby spinach, add it to the skillet and stir until it wilts into the pasta. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.

1. Final Seasoning:

• Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat.

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

Cooking Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta may seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple when broken down into manageable steps:

1. Step 1: Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: Sauté seasoned chicken until cooked through, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Make a garlic butter base and build the creamy sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Boursin cheese.
4. Step 4: Combine cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce, and add spinach if desired.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce. Avoid overcooking it, as it may become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Curdling the Cream: When adding heavy cream, be careful not to let the heat get too high. High heat can cause the cream to curdle.
• Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through to ensure it's tender and juicy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta, there are a few tips to elevate the visual appeal of the dish. A little extra effort in plating can make a big difference, especially if you’re serving guests or trying to impress at a family dinner.

• Serve in a Wide, Shallow Bowl: Pasta dishes look more elegant when served in a wide, shallow bowl rather than a deep one. This allows the sauce to spread evenly across the plate.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and enhances the overall presentation.
• Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan on top not only looks good but adds a layer of texture and flavor.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: For a finishing touch, a small drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the dish gives it a glossy, professional finish.

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta can be served as a stand-alone dish, as it’s hearty enough to be a complete meal. However, if you’d like to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

• With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the creamy texture of the pasta.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Presentation can make your dish even more appetizing. Here are some creative ideas:

• Use White Plates: The vibrant colors of the pasta and spinach pop beautifully against a clean white plate.
• Serve Family Style: For a more casual, communal feel, serve the pasta in a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves.
• Twirl Pasta for Neat Plating: When serving, use tongs to twirl the pasta into neat mounds on each plate, then top with chicken and sauce.

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

• Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Add Fresh Herbs Last: To preserve the flavor and vibrancy of fresh herbs, add them at the very end, just before serving.
• Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers, reheat the pasta gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, toss with freshly cooked pasta, and enjoy.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
A: While the pasta itself can be frozen, the sauce may change texture when reheated due to the dairy content. If you must freeze it, re

heat gently and stir in a bit of cream to restore its creaminess.

Q: What can I use instead of Boursin cheese?
A: Cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs is a great substitute, or try other soft cheeses like goat cheese for a tangier flavor.

Q: Can I use another type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Shrimp or even cooked bacon would work well in this dish as an alternative to chicken.

Conclusion

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful pasta meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow the steps in this recipe, add your own personal touches with substitutions and variations, and enjoy this delicious meal!

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