Creamy Boursin Pasta

The Ultimate 15-Minute Creamy Boursin Pasta with Spinach: A 4-Ingredient Weeknight Wonder

Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Boursin Pasta recipe! In less than 15 minutes, and with just four core ingredients, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and boasts a luxuriously creamy texture. The secret lies in the exquisite Boursin cheese, which melts effortlessly into a rich, aromatic sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. Paired with fresh, chopped spinach, this dish isn’t just easy, it’s a revelation.

If you’re a fan of quick, creamy, and satisfying pasta dishes, you’ll love exploring some of our other favorites. Be sure to check out our Ricotta Pesto Pasta, Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta, and Pesto Tortellini Pasta recipes. Each of these options is designed for minimal effort and maximum taste, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients. They are perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.

Creamy Boursin pasta recipe tossed with spinach in a serving bowl with a serving spoon in the bowl.

Why This Creamy Boursin Pasta Recipe Works So Well

This Boursin pasta isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Packed with Unforgettable Flavor. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Boursin cheese. Specifically, the Herb and Garlic variety is a flavor bomb that eliminates the need for a multitude of other spices and herbs. Its rich, tangy, and savory profile effortlessly transforms plain pasta into a gourmet experience. This soft, creamy cheese melts down into a beautifully emulsified sauce, coating every noodle with its irresistible taste. It’s the ultimate shortcut to a deeply flavorful meal without compromising on quality.
  • Dinner Ready in Just Minutes! For those hectic evenings, a recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes is a lifesaver. This Boursin pasta requires minimal prep and cook time, making it faster than ordering takeout. With just four ingredients (yes, including salt!), you’ll spend less time chopping and more time enjoying. It’s the perfect solution for busy professionals, students, or families looking for a delicious, homemade dinner without the lengthy commitment.
  • Incredibly Simple & Minimal Ingredients. Forget complicated ingredient lists and advanced cooking techniques. This recipe champions simplicity. You only need pasta, Boursin cheese, spinach, and a pinch of salt. This accessibility means you can whip it up even when your pantry seems bare, proving that often, less is truly more when it comes to flavor and convenience.
  • Versatile & Adaptable. While perfect as is, this Boursin pasta recipe serves as an excellent base for various additions. Whether you want to incorporate more vegetables, add a protein, or adjust the spice level, the simple foundation makes customization a breeze. This adaptability ensures the dish can be tailored to different tastes and whatever ingredients you have on hand, preventing mealtime monotony.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Boursin Pasta

While this recipe is incredibly simple, understanding a bit more about each ingredient can help you achieve the best results. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate creamy Boursin pasta experience.

Boursin Pasta recipe ingredients on a white marble background: spinach, pasta, boursin cheese, salt.
  • Pasta: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with pasta shapes. While we often opt for smaller, bite-sized shapes like penne, orecchiette, bowtie, ziti, or even rotini, feel free to use your favorite! The key is to choose a shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce well. Ensure you cook the pasta to “al dente,” meaning it’s firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Properly cooked pasta is crucial for the overall texture of the dish.
  • Herb and Garlic Boursin Cheese: This is the star ingredient and non-negotiable for achieving the signature flavor profile. Look for the “Gournay Cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs” variety, often simply labeled “Herb & Garlic.” You’ll typically find it in the deli or gourmet cheese section of your grocery store. Its unique blend of creamy texture and aromatic herbs provides all the seasoning you need, eliminating the fuss of adding multiple spices.
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is ideal for this recipe. There’s no need for pre-cooking or wilting the spinach separately. The residual heat from the freshly cooked pasta is more than sufficient to gently wilt the spinach, allowing it to incorporate seamlessly into the creamy sauce while retaining its vibrant color and a touch of freshness. If you don’t have baby spinach, regular spinach (stems removed and roughly chopped) can also work.
  • Kosher Salt: A seemingly small detail, but crucial for perfectly seasoned pasta. Adding a generous amount of kosher salt to your pasta water ensures the pasta itself is flavored from the inside out, rather than just the sauce. This fundamental step elevates the overall taste of your Boursin pasta. Remember, the pasta water isn’t just for cooking; it’s a key ingredient for your sauce too!

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Boursin Pasta

Creating this delicious Boursin pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, creamy dish every time. Remember, the speed of this recipe means you’ll want to have all your ingredients ready to go!

  1. Cook the Pasta to Perfection. Begin by bringing a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling vigorously, add a tablespoon of kosher salt. This is essential for flavoring the pasta from the inside out. Stir in your chosen pasta noodles and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, make sure to reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is crucial for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
  2. Combine for Creamy Bliss. Immediately after draining (and reserving pasta water!), transfer the hot pasta noodles to a large mixing bowl. The heat from the pasta is key to melting the Boursin cheese. Add the entire block of Boursin cheese and your chopped fresh spinach directly into the hot pasta. Using tongs or a large spoon, mix everything together thoroughly. The Boursin cheese will melt beautifully into a smooth, creamy sauce, and the spinach will wilt from the residual heat.
  3. Achieve Your Desired Sauce Consistency. The reserved pasta water is your best friend here. Begin by adding a small amount (about a quarter cup) of the starchy pasta water to the mixture. Stir well. The starches in the pasta water will help emulsify the cheese and create a silky, smooth sauce. Continue to add more pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred creamy consistency. You might not need the entire cup, or you might need a bit more, depending on your pasta and desired thickness.
  4. Serve Immediately. This Boursin pasta is best enjoyed piping hot, right off the stove. The flavors are most vibrant and the sauce is at its creamiest when fresh. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or a few fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your incredibly quick and delicious meal!
Cooked ziti pasta noodles in a white colander.
A bowl with cooked pasta noodles, chopped spinach and boursin cheese in it.

Expert Tips for the Best Boursin Pasta

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you maximize the flavor, texture, and versatility of your creamy Boursin pasta.

Always remember the magic of pasta water! Reserving some of the starchy water from cooking the pasta is crucial. This cloudy liquid contains starches that act as an emulsifier, helping the Boursin cheese melt into a smooth, cohesive, and perfectly saucy consistency. Add it gradually to achieve your desired thickness and creaminess, as it brings the sauce together beautifully. If you accidentally forget to reserve pasta water, a splash of warm milk or even chicken broth can work in a pinch, though the starchy pasta water truly yields the best results.

Don’t let leftover Boursin cheese go to waste! If you happen to have an extra case of Boursin cheese, it can be a lifesaver for refreshing leftovers. When reheating, especially if the sauce has thickened in the fridge, adding a small amount of fresh Boursin cheese along with a splash of water or milk can help restore that dreamy, creamy consistency to your Boursin pasta sauce.

Feel free to make exciting variations to this Boursin cheese pasta recipe! This dish is a fantastic canvas for customization. Here are some delicious ideas to inspire you:

  • Add Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like sweet peas, sliced mushrooms (sautéed beforehand), vibrant chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a tangy kick), or tender Roasted Grape Tomatoes. For a heartier green addition, consider Roasted Broccoli florets, or chopped artichoke hearts.
  • Boost the Flavor: Enhance the existing flavors with fresh herbs like fragrant basil or flat-leaf parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth, while toasted pine nuts offer a delightful crunch. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a pleasant warmth.
  • Make it a Meal with Protein: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding protein. Chopped grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed shrimp would be fantastic additions, turning it into a delicious Boursin chicken pasta or shrimp Boursin pasta.
  • Mediterranean Twist: For a Mediterranean flair, toss in some kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Consider your serving suggestions to complete the meal. Boursin pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad on the side, like our refreshing Rocket and Pear Salad or the colorful Strawberry Spinach Salad. And what’s pasta without some delicious bread to soak up all that creamy sauce? Classic garlic bread, some homemade Focaccia Bread, or our savory Rosemary Garlic and Parmesan Dinner Rolls would be absolutely amazing accompaniments!

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Your Boursin Pasta

This Boursin pasta recipe is best enjoyed immediately while still warm and the sauce is at its peak creaminess. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage will ensure you can enjoy them later.

Store any leftover Boursin cheese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, the sauce may have thickened considerably. To return it to its original creamy consistency, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or a tiny bit of extra Boursin cheese if needed. A little more pasta water can also work wonders to loosen it up.

Due to the delicate nature of the creamy cheese sauce and the pasta, which can become mushy upon freezing and thawing, we do not recommend freezing this Boursin pasta. It’s truly best fresh or as refrigerated leftovers.

Creamy Boursin cheese pasta with spinach in a serving bowl.

Creamy Boursin Pasta: Your Questions Answered

Have more questions about Boursin cheese or this incredibly easy pasta dish? We’ve got you covered with these frequently asked questions.

What is Boursin cheese made of?

Boursin cheese is a delightful French-inspired Gournay cheese, primarily made from pasteurized cultured milk and cream, along with a blend of herbs and spices. The most popular variety, Herb & Garlic, features garlic, chives, and parsley, contributing to its distinct, aromatic flavor profile. It’s a fresh, soft, and spreadable cheese, similar in texture to cream cheese but with a richer, more complex taste thanks to its herbal inclusions.

How can I use Boursin cheese in other dishes?

Boursin cheese is incredibly versatile! Beyond this creamy pasta recipe, it makes a fantastic spread on crackers, crusty bread, or bagels. You can whip it into a savory dip for vegetables or chips, or use it to elevate mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or omelets. It’s also excellent when stuffed into chicken breasts, mixed into risotto, or simply served as part of a cheese board. Its ability to melt beautifully makes it a perfect ingredient for enriching sauces and adding a gourmet touch to many dishes.

Is Boursin real cheese?

Absolutely! Boursin is indeed a real cheese. It’s a brand of Gournay cheese, which is a type of fresh, unripened cheese, often seasoned with herbs and garlic. While it might have a softer, more spreadable consistency than hard cheeses, it’s a legitimate dairy product crafted from milk and cream, much like other fresh cheeses such as cream cheese or chèvre.

Where can you buy Boursin cheese?

Boursin cheese is widely available in most major grocery stores. You’ll typically find it in the specialty cheese section, the deli section, or sometimes near other refrigerated spreads and dairy products. Its distinctive foil packaging makes it easy to spot, usually alongside other gourmet or imported cheeses.

Can I make Boursin pasta without spinach?

Yes, absolutely! While spinach adds a lovely touch of color and extra nutrients, you can easily omit it if you prefer. The Boursin cheese sauce is flavorful enough on its own. Alternatively, you can swap spinach for other quick-cooking greens like arugula, kale (massaged and finely chopped), or even finely diced bell peppers for added crunch and color.

What kind of pasta works best for Boursin pasta?

The best pasta for Boursin pasta is generally any short, hearty shape that can effectively capture and hold the creamy sauce. Penne, ziti, rigatoni, orecchiette, fusilli, or farfalle (bowtie) are all excellent choices. Their nooks, ridges, and cupped shapes are perfect for clinging to the rich Boursin sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Boursin Pasta with chopped spinach on a black plate with a Boursin white and green cheese box in the background.

Explore More Easy Pasta Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Boursin pasta, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of easy and delicious pasta recipes perfect for any occasion, especially those busy weeknights.

  • Pasta with Zucchini Sauce: A light yet flavorful option featuring fresh seasonal zucchini.
  • Cajun Sausage Pasta: For those who crave a little spice and a hearty meal.
  • Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes: A vibrant and fresh dish that comes together in minutes.
  • Bucatini Cacio e Pepe: A classic Roman dish celebrating the elegant simplicity of cheese and pepper.
  • Italian Sausage Rigatoni: A robust and satisfying pasta dish perfect for a comforting family dinner.

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A black plate with creamy Boursin Pasta tossed with spinach.

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5 from 3 votes

Boursin Pasta

This creamy and super easy pasta recipe is made with just 4 ingredients! Pasta, Boursin cheese, spinach (gotta add some healthy greens!) and kosher salt.
Prep Time:

2 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

12 minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Ingredients

 

  • 8
    oz
    pasta noodlesany kind will do!
  • 1
    tablespoon
    kosher salt
  • 5
    oz
    herb and garlic Boursin cheese
  • 1
    cup
    baby spinachroughly chopped

Instructions

 

  • Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Once boiling add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the pot, then stir in the noodles. Cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water.
  • Place the noodles in a serving bowl. Immediately stir in the boursin cheese and chopped baby spinach. Toss to coat. The heat of the noodles will help the spinach wilt and will melt the cheese. Add some of the starchy water to loosen up the sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

I don’t recommend freezing due to the cheese and pasta getting mushy upon freezing and thawing.

Variations: Add peas, mushrooms, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, Roasted Grape Tomatoes, Roasted Broccoli, kalamata olives, chopped artichokes hearts, or some red pepper flakes (for some heat).

Nutrition


Calories:
359
kcal
(18%)


Carbohydrates:
44
g
(15%)


Protein:
10
g
(20%)


Fat:
16
g
(25%)


Saturated Fat:
10
g
(50%)


Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g


Cholesterol:
37
mg
(12%)


Sodium:
1973
mg
(82%)


Potassium:
169
mg
(5%)


Fiber:
2
g
(8%)


Sugar:
3
g
(3%)


Vitamin A:
1070
IU
(21%)


Vitamin C:
2
mg
(2%)


Calcium:
45
mg
(5%)


Iron:
1
mg
(6%)
author:

Whitney Wright
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American, Italian




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