Boursin Chicken Pasta: What Ingredients Do You Need?
Introduction
There’s something magical about tossing pasta with creamy cheese and tender chicken after a long day. Boursin Chicken Pasta is exactly that kind of magic—fast, satisfying, and full of flavor. With just one skillet and under 30 minutes, this cozy dinner brings together seared chicken, aromatic garlic, and melty Boursin cheese in the silkiest sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this easy recipe turns pantry staples into something downright luxurious. In the sections below, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Boursin chicken pasta, how to adjust it for different tastes, and what to serve with it for a complete meal.
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Boursin Chicken Pasta: What Ingredients Do You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Boursin chicken pasta is creamy, quick, and ready in under 30 minutes. A perfect one-skillet dinner packed with garlic herb flavor.
Ingredients
8–12 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breasts, cubed (or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, thinly sliced (optional)
5.2 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb or Shallot & Chive)
½–1 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
½–1 cup reserved pasta water
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
3–5 oz fresh baby spinach
Fresh parsley or chives (garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallot for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth or wine and scrape up browned bits. Simmer.
5. Add Boursin and stir until melted. Add cream if using.
6. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Adjust sauce with pasta water if needed. Season to taste.
8. Serve with herbs, Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Customize with mushrooms, bacon, or peas.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Why This Boursin Chicken Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

A story from a Tuscan kitchen to your table
I still remember the first time I had a meal that truly stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t at a restaurant—it was on a small terrace in Tuscany, where a neighbor handed me a plate of pasta tossed with herbs, garlic, and what I later learned was soft French cheese. That silky richness wrapped around every bite of pasta, and it lingered. Back home, I tried to recreate that flavor a hundred times. When I first folded Boursin into warm pasta with juicy chicken, I felt that same spark again. That’s how this boursin chicken pasta was born—part Tuscan memory, part weeknight shortcut, all flavor.
Why Boursin is perfect for pasta
Boursin cheese is a creamy dream when it hits warm broth or pasta water. It melts into a sauce with zero fuss and brings built-in flavor thanks to its garlic and herb blend. Unlike sauces that need butter, flour, and loads of simmering, this one’s done in minutes. And Boursin’s texture is just right—it coats pasta luxuriously without feeling heavy. You can use flavors like Garlic & Fine Herbs or Shallot & Chive, depending on what’s in your fridge. Dishes like this Boursin Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes or this Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta prove how this one ingredient can transform simple meals into something truly crave-worthy.
Whether you’re new to weeknight cooking or just tired of your usual go-to meals, this boursin chicken pasta brings together flavor, ease, and comfort all in one bowl.
How to Make Boursin Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

The best pasta, chicken, and cheese to use
Making a great boursin chicken pasta starts with the basics: pasta, chicken, and cheese. For the pasta, short shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work beautifully—they grab the creamy sauce and make every bite balanced. But if all you have is fettuccine or spaghetti, don’t stress. It still works, just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up under the sauce.
Next, let’s talk chicken. If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces and sear them in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Rotisserie chicken or leftovers also work well—just shred and warm them in the pan. Season with salt and black pepper for a solid base.
Then comes the heart of the dish: Boursin cheese. A single 5.2-ounce wheel of Garlic & Fine Herbs melts like magic. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Shallot & Chive version adds a subtle twist. Both melt into the sauce seamlessly, creating a silky texture that rivals more time-consuming recipes like this Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream.
Technique tips: pasta water, creamy finish, and add-ins
Here’s where things get flavorful. Once your chicken is cooked and set aside, use the same pan to sauté garlic and shallots for 1–2 minutes. Pour in a splash of chicken broth—or white wine if you’re feeling fancy—and let it simmer while you scrape up the golden bits from the pan.
Now crumble in the Boursin. Stir slowly as it melts into the warm liquid. For extra indulgence, stir in a little cream—totally optional, but it makes the sauce even silkier. This base is similar in technique to the one in Pasta with Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, where soft cheeses and liquids combine for maximum flavor.
Don’t forget to save some pasta water. Adding it a tablespoon at a time thins the sauce without sacrificing creaminess. Finish by folding in the chicken and drained pasta. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach, toss them in now. The spinach will wilt instantly, adding color and nutrition. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy burst that balances the richness.
Now stir, taste, and season one more time. Your boursin chicken pasta should be creamy, herby, and so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the pan.
Variations & Swaps for Every Pantry

No Boursin? Here’s what to use instead
It happens—you plan to make boursin chicken pasta, only to realize the cheese drawer is empty. The good news? You can still bring that creamy, garlicky flavor to life. Start with plain cream cheese and stir in a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and mixed herbs (like parsley, chives, or dill). For more depth, sauté a finely chopped shallot or some green onions in olive oil before adding your substitute.
You can also mix mascarpone with minced herbs or even use a bit of goat cheese blended with garlic. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it still melts into a sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Recipes like Chicken Pasta Recipes No Cream show how flexible pasta dishes can be when you’re short on specialty ingredients. It’s about keeping the creamy base while letting your pantry lead the way.
Add-ins to level it up
Think of boursin chicken pasta as a blank canvas. Want a little color? Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale—it wilts right into the sauce. Craving a pop of sweetness? Sliced sun-dried tomatoes offer chewy contrast. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to balance the richness.
For extra protein or texture, try folding in cooked bacon, pan-seared mushrooms, or frozen peas. And if you want to switch up the meat entirely, this dish is incredible with shrimp. In fact, the way shrimp works in Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp & Chicken or the spicy layers in One-Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta shows how versatile this base really is.
How to Serve and Store Boursin Chicken Pasta

What to serve with Boursin chicken pasta
This creamy dish is rich and full-flavored, so the best sides keep things light and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or shaved fennel adds just enough acidity to balance the dish. Roasted broccolini or green beans with a squeeze of lemon also work beautifully on the side.
Crusty bread? Always. It’s ideal for soaking up that herby sauce—especially if you’re the type who can’t bear to leave even a drop behind. For those who want to round out the meal with even more bold flavor, consider pairing it with a starter like the smoky, spicy flavors in Cajun Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Pasta.
Boursin chicken pasta also makes a fantastic main dish for entertaining. You can serve it in a shallow bowl with a dusting of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chives—it looks far fancier than it is. That’s the beauty of Boursin: it tastes like you spent hours, when really, you tossed it together in half an episode of your favorite show.
Leftovers and reheating without drying it out
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to keep them just as silky the next day. Store your boursin chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, add a splash of broth, water, or even milk to help loosen the sauce.
Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one, or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. The key is to warm it slowly so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t break. It’s a method that works just as well for other creamy pastas too, like Boursin Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes.
You can even reinvent the leftovers—try spooning them into a baking dish, topping with breadcrumbs and cheese, and baking until bubbly. In less than 15 minutes, yesterday’s dinner becomes a comforting baked pasta you’ll look forward to just as much.
FAQs
What to serve with Boursin chicken?
Pair Boursin chicken pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables like broccolini or asparagus, and crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How long does Boursin pasta take?
You can make Boursin chicken pasta in under 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep, cooking, and simmering the sauce.
What to use instead of Boursin cheese in pasta?
Substitute Boursin with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, goat cheese, or mascarpone for a similar creamy consistency and flavor.
What kind of cheese is Boursin?
Boursin is a French Gournay cheese—soft, spreadable, and usually flavored with garlic, fine herbs, or shallots.
Conclusion
Creamy, herby, and unbelievably simple—Boursin chicken pasta is one of those rare meals that delivers comfort and flavor without demanding much in return. Whether you’re using pantry staples or adding your own twist, this dish has the kind of flexibility every home cook needs. I’ve made it for solo dinners, last-minute guests, and even picky eaters—and every time, the bowl comes back clean.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore similar ones like Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta or this One-Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta. They bring the same richness with a Cajun twist.