Luscious Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Crafting a delightful boursin cheese pasta with broccoli combines comfort and elegance in one simple dish.

pasta lovers will adore this creamy, vibrant recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Soft, herbed boursin melts perfectly into warm noodles, creating a luxurious sauce that hugs each strand.

broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious crunch that balances the rich cheese beautifully.

Quick and easy preparation means you can whip up this meal in under thirty minutes.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this incredible pasta.

What You’ll Need for Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Pasta: Starchy base for the creamy dish.
• Broccoli: Green vegetable adding nutrition and texture.
• Boursin Cheese: Creamy and flavorful cheese that creates the sauce base.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create silky sauce texture.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance overall taste and provide subtle heat.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra cheesy depth and richness.
• Fresh Parsley, Basil: Provides fresh herbal garnish.
• Lemon Zest: Offers bright, citrusy finishing note.

How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Boil and Cook Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the water taste like the ocean.

Toss in your pasta and let it dance in the boiling water.

When the pasta is almost done, drop in the broccoli florets for a quick two-minute swim.

Scoop out a mugful of the cooking water – this liquid gold will be our secret weapon later.

Drain everything and set aside.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

Return to the same pot and melt butter until it’s golden and bubbly.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle and sing for half a minute.

Lower the heat and invite the Boursin cheese to the party, stirring until it melts into a creamy dream.

Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth like silk.

Splash in some of that reserved pasta water to give the sauce the perfect consistency.

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some excitement.

Step 3: Bring Everything Together

Welcome back the pasta and broccoli to the pot.

Swirl and toss everything until each piece is hugged by the luscious sauce.

If you’re feeling fancy, invite some Parmesan to join and let it melt into the creamy mix.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Shower the dish with fresh parsley or basil, and add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Extra Creamy Cheese Pasta

• Salt the water generously before adding pasta to enhance the overall taste of your dish.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without making the sauce too runny.
• Add broccoli during the last two minutes of pasta cooking to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
• Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic flavors without burning, creating a more subtle and rich base for the sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs and lemon zest just before serving to add brightness and a burst of fresh flavor to the creamy pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent air exposure and potential drying.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream over the pasta before microwaving. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute warmth evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently and consistently to prevent sticking and maintain smooth consistency.
• Freeze pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing, so whisk thoroughly when reheating to restore original texture.

Great Pairings for Creamy Cheese Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy Boursin sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Match with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty artisan bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, perfect for soaking up the luxurious Boursin sauce and adding textural crunch.
• Enhance with Roasted Chicken: Add grilled or roasted chicken breast seasoned with herbs to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal, providing lean protein and complementary flavors.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Vegan Boursin Delight: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the dish's rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still captures the essence of the original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes to transform the pasta into a more substantial, protein-rich main course for those seeking extra nutrition.

FAQs

• What is Boursin cheese, and why does it work well in this pasta dish?

Boursin is a creamy, soft French cheese with herbs and garlic. Its smooth texture and rich flavor make it perfect for creating a velvety sauce that coats pasta beautifully, adding instant depth and richness to the dish.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with herbs, or use herbed goat cheese. The key is to choose a soft, creamy cheese that melts easily and provides a similar rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Is this pasta recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat and can be easily adapted by using vegetable broth or additional seasoning to enhance the flavor. Just ensure the cheeses you use are vegetarian.

• How can I make this pasta dish more protein-rich?

You can add grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or roasted chickpeas to increase protein content. Alternatively, consider stirring in some cooked white beans or adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra protein and crunch.

Why Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Is So Comforting

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a go-to meal for anyone craving a delicious and hassle-free dinner.
• Boursin cheese magically elevates basic pasta and broccoli into a creamy, restaurant-worthy meal that feels luxurious without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
• Flexible recipe allows for endless variations – add protein like chicken or shrimp, swap vegetables, or adjust spice levels to suit personal taste preferences and what's available in your kitchen.
• Sophisticated enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a family meal, this dish impresses everyone from picky eaters to culinary enthusiasts with its rich, comforting flavors.

Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli brings French-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Silky sauce, tender broccoli, and rich cheese create a luxurious meal that satisfies both quick weeknight cravings and elegant dining desires.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or preferred type)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor recommended)

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot with generously salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package timing, approximately 8-9 minutes, maintaining a steady simmer.
3. Introduce broccoli florets into the boiling water during the final two minutes of pasta cooking, ensuring vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
4. Extract and preserve half a cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli in a colander.
5. Return the same pot to medium heat, allowing butter to melt and become slightly golden around the edges.
6. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
7. Reduce heat to low and incorporate Boursin cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy consistency.
8. Gradually introduce heavy cream, whisking smoothly to create a velvety sauce.
9. Adjust sauce texture by incorporating reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clingy coating.
10. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
11. Reintroduce pasta and broccoli to the pot, gently folding to ensure complete sauce coverage.
12. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and enhance the sauce’s richness.
13. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning as needed.
14. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a delicate lemon zest sprinkle.
15. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and sauce luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic helps create a silky, smooth sauce by adding starchy liquid that helps Boursin cheese melt perfectly and bind with cream.
• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for those who love spice or prefer a milder flavor profile.
• Dietary Swap Options include using gluten-free pasta, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegetarian or lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Quick Prep Tip involves chopping broccoli into smaller florets to ensure even cooking and faster integration with pasta sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg