Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Cheese Pasta combines melty Boursin cheese, tender baked pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all seasoned with aromatic herbs and a touch of spice. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 Boursin cheese block
- 1 pound uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shape of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pasta evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: In a large baking dish, place the Boursin cheese block right in the center as the creamy base for the pasta.
- Add key ingredients: Add the uncooked pasta, minced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes around the Boursin cheese. Then pour in 2 cups of broth and drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top to help cook and flavor the pasta.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the baking dish to infuse the pasta with aromatic flavors.
- Add cream: Pour the ½ cup of heavy cream evenly over the pasta mixture in the dish for extra richness and creaminess.
- Toss ingredients: Gently toss all the ingredients in the baking dish ensuring the pasta is coated evenly with the cheese, cream, and seasonings.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pasta is cooked tender and the tomatoes have softened.
- Add spinach: Carefully remove the foil and stir in the fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach nicely into the pasta mixture.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta for a delicious melted cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the Parmesan melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately as a rich and satisfying main dish or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni for best results.
- Boursin cheese adds creamy garlic and herb flavor, but cream cheese can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Covering the dish helps the pasta cook evenly without drying out.
- If you want a crispier top, broil uncovered for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
