Looking for a dinner that feels indulgent yet only takes half an hour? Boursin Chicken Pasta is the answer. This dish blends tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy Boursin cheese for a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up on a busy weeknight.
Unlike standard cream-based pastas, this recipe gets its flavor and texture directly from Boursin cheese, which is packed with garlic, herbs, and rich cream. That means fewer ingredients, less prep time, and big flavor payoff.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or simply craving a cozy bowl of pasta, this recipe will become one of your weeknight staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ 30 minutes start to finish
- ✅ Restaurant-level creamy pasta at home
- ✅ Minimal ingredients (Boursin replaces cream + herbs + seasoning)
- ✅ Easily customizable (swap protein, pasta, or veggies)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into a classic Boursin Chicken Pasta for 4 servings:
- Chicken breast (1 lb / ~450 g) – Lean protein that cooks quickly. Chicken thighs also work if you prefer juicier meat.
- Pasta (8 oz / 225 g) – Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni hold sauce well.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese (5.2 oz / 150 g) – The star of the recipe, adding instant creaminess and flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances the flavor base.
- Spinach (2 cups) – Adds freshness, color, and nutrition.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, optional) – For brightness and acidity.
- Chicken broth or reserved pasta water (½ cup) – Helps emulsify the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Essential for balance.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Finishes the dish beautifully.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente (slightly firm to bite).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sauté 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
👉 Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want the chicken to sear, not steam.
3. Build the Flavor Base
- Add garlic to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes (if using) and cook until slightly softened.
4. Wilt the Spinach
- Add spinach and stir until just wilted (about 1 minute).
5. Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in Boursin cheese, letting it melt into the chicken and vegetables.
- Add pasta water or chicken broth gradually until sauce is silky.
6. Toss Everything Together
- Add drained pasta into the skillet.
- Toss until pasta is coated in creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Plate pasta in shallow bowls.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Use warm pasta water → It helps emulsify the sauce for restaurant-style creaminess.
- Slice chicken evenly → Ensures quick and consistent cooking.
- Reserve Boursin till the end → Adding cheese too early can cause curdling.
- Double the sauce → If you like extra creamy pasta, add a splash of heavy cream with the Boursin.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Protein swaps: Shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable boost: Mushrooms, zucchini, roasted red peppers, or broccoli.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, Calabrian chili paste, or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Luxury upgrade: Finish with truffle oil or Parmesan shavings.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 24 g (11 g saturated)
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
👉 Healthier swaps: Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber and protein.
What to Serve With Boursin Chicken Pasta
- Garlic bread or focaccia – for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Light salad – arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances richness.
- Wine pairing – Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Not freezer-friendly → cream sauces tend to split after thawing.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Boursin Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine with sauce just before serving.
Q: Which Boursin flavor is best for pasta?
Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic, but Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper Boursin also work.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes – use dairy-free Boursin and plant-based milk instead of broth.
Q: Why add pasta water to the sauce?
The starch in pasta water binds with fat, making the sauce creamy and glossy.
Final Thoughts
Boursin Chicken Pasta proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something truly delicious. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to make.
Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or even entertaining, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
✨ Next time you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, make this creamy pasta—you’ll love every bite.