Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe

If you're craving a creamy, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish, look no further than Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta. This recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta for a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Boursin cheese, a soft, spreadable cheese flavored with herbs and garlic, adds a luxurious creaminess without much effort, making this dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious dish, along with all the tips and tricks for success!

this Recipe

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What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy pasta dish made by tossing cooked pasta and sautéed chicken with a decadent Boursin cheese sauce. Boursin cheese, a French cheese made from cow's milk and flavored with garlic and herbs, melts beautifully into a silky, savory sauce that coats every bite of the pasta. The chicken adds heartiness to the dish, while the pasta serves as the perfect base to soak up the creamy, garlicky goodness. It's an easy recipe that tastes like something you’d order at a fine dining restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients needed for this creamy pasta dish.

Pasta and Chicken:

1. Pasta: 12 oz (such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni).
2. Chicken Breasts: 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing the chicken.
4. Salt: 1 teaspoon, divided.
5. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon.
6. Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor in the chicken).

Boursin Cheese Sauce:

1. Boursin Cheese: 1 package (5.2 oz) of garlic and herb Boursin cheese.
2. Heavy Cream: ½ cup.
3. Milk: ½ cup (you can also use half-and-half for a lighter version).
4. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated.
5. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
6. Butter: 2 tablespoons.
7. Lemon Zest: Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness).
8. Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or basil for garnish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is highly customizable. Here are some common substitutions and variations to try:

• Protein Substitutes: Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version. You could also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from corn, rice, or chickpea flour.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a hearty, vegetarian version.
• Lighter Version: Use light Boursin cheese, and substitute the heavy cream with more milk or half-and-half for a lower-calorie option.
• Pasta Variations: This sauce pairs well with almost any pasta. Try it with long strands like linguine or fettuccine, or short shapes like penne or fusilli.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with cayenne for a spicy kick.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
3. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Boursin Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Boursin cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Add lemon zest for a burst of freshness, if desired, and taste the sauce for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the pasta is coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from heat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve immediately. Top with extra Parmesan if desired.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Cook just until it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center.
• Letting the Sauce Get Too Thick: If the sauce reduces too much or becomes too thick, simply add some pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: Pasta water contains starch that helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, so don’t forget to reserve a bit before draining your pasta.
• Not Softening the Boursin Cheese: If the Boursin cheese is too cold, it might not melt smoothly into the sauce. Take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you start cooking.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

A well-presented dish can make your Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta feel even more special. Here’s how to make it shine:

How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Serve the pasta straight from the skillet while it’s hot and creamy. For family-style serving, place the pasta in a large serving bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to complement the rich flavors of the pasta.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta

• Twirl Pasta: For an elegant presentation, twirl the pasta onto plates using tongs and top each portion with slices of chicken and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Garnish Generously: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to add color and a burst of freshness.
• Lemon Zest: For a bright touch, add a few extra grates of lemon zest right before serving. This will give the dish a pop of citrus and brighten the richness of the sauce.

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Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, garlic, and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavor of the dish.
2. Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: You can easily control the consistency of the sauce. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you mix it with the sauce.
4. Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or for leftovers. The pasta reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep or saving for the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
A: Yes! While Boursin is what gives this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and garlic herb seasoning if needed. You could also use a similar soft cheese like Alouette.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed and reheated. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and make the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Q: Can I make this dish without cream?
A: Yes, you can replace the cream with more milk or use a non-d

airy milk like almond or oat milk. However, the sauce may be less rich without the cream.

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Conclusion

Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is the perfect recipe for when you’re craving something creamy, flavorful, and comforting. With tender chicken, a luxurious Boursin cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is bound to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal, it’s easy to whip up and sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy one of the creamiest, most delicious pasta dishes you’ve ever had!

Happy cooking!

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