Simple Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Introduction
Looking for a fast, creamy, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner? This chicken Boursin cheese pasta is your answer. With tender chicken, garlicky herb Boursin, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—and tastes like something you’d get at a cozy trattoria. The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients, and the technique is so easy that even beginner cooks can nail it. In this article, I’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe, give you tips to customize it, and show you how to store leftovers without losing that silky texture.
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Simple Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Chicken Boursin cheese pasta is a quick, creamy dinner with tender chicken and garlic herb flavor—ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season, and cook until golden and done (6–8 minutes). Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add Boursin and cream, stirring until smooth.
5. Stir in Parmesan. Add pasta water gradually to adjust consistency.
6. Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat.
7. Serve warm, topped with parsley.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
How Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Became My Signature Comfort Food
The First Time I Fell for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Years ago, I was sitting on a terrace in a tiny Tuscan village when I tasted a bowl of pasta that rewired my brain. Creamy, garlicky, and full of fresh herbs—it was simple but unforgettable. Back in the U.S., I couldn’t stop thinking about it. One night, I mixed sautéed chicken, pasta, and a soft garlic herb cheese I had on hand—Boursin. That creamy result? Pure magic. That’s how chicken Boursin cheese pasta became one of the first dishes I felt proud to serve.
Now, in the rolling hills outside Florence, this recipe still lives at the center of my table. It’s cozy, quick, and rich enough to feel special even when it’s made on a whim. My friends always ask what’s in the sauce—and they’re shocked when I say it’s just Boursin, cream, and a handful of pantry staples.
Why Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero
You don’t need complicated steps or fancy sauces. With this chicken Boursin cheese pasta, dinner is on the table in 30 minutes, and every bite is creamy, garlicky comfort. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is lush, and the Boursin does all the hard work. A little Parmesan deepens the flavor, and pasta water helps it cling to every twist of penne or fusilli.
It’s just as crave-worthy as my boursin chicken pasta with tomatoes, and every bit as creamy as this creamy Boursin shrimp pasta. Keep this one in your back pocket for any night that needs something warm, fast, and full of flavor.
Creamy Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe (Quick and Foolproof)
Ingredients That Make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta a Weeknight Win
You don’t need a culinary degree or a stocked pantry to make chicken Boursin cheese pasta. This dish keeps it simple—with ingredients that you likely already have. That’s one of the reasons it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The garlic & herb Boursin does the flavor heavy lifting while the chicken adds protein and bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli both work beautifully)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (only as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
This recipe shines without extras—but if you enjoy Cajun flavors, feel free to adapt it like I do in my chicken and shrimp alfredo for something a little bolder.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water—this helps loosen the sauce later if needed.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season it well with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, just until fragrant. Add the Boursin and heavy cream, stirring gently until the cheese fully melts into a creamy, unified sauce.
Stir in the Parmesan, then slowly splash in reserved pasta water—just enough to loosen the sauce to your liking. You want it silky, not watery.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated and warmed through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a glass of chilled white wine if you’re feeling fancy.
If you love this flavor profile, check out my boursin cheese chicken pasta—it’s another creamy twist on a familiar favorite.
What Makes Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta So Satisfying (and Easy to Adapt)
The Secret Sauce in Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
At first bite, what sets chicken Boursin cheese pasta apart is how rich and flavorful it is with minimal effort. That’s because Boursin doesn’t just melt—it transforms. The garlic and fine herbs already packed into the cheese infuse every bite with savory depth. You don’t need to chase down multiple seasonings or simmer a sauce for hours. The texture is velvety, the flavor is mellow yet bold, and the Boursin blends seamlessly with heavy cream and Parmesan.
Even picky eaters fall in love with this sauce. That’s why I often use it as a base when I want a no-fuss but still indulgent pasta night. For a similar mouthfeel with more earthy notes, try my pasta with sausage and sun-dried tomatoes; it uses a similar method but leans into different flavor tones.
How to Customize Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Your Way
The beauty of chicken Boursin cheese pasta is how adaptable it is. Want to sneak in veggies? Toss in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes right before the sauce comes together. Want a bit of kick? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning when you cook the chicken.
You can also swap the protein. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great, and cooked shrimp or pancetta are fun twists. I’ve even made a smoky version inspired by this Cajun smoked sausage pasta—a little spicy, a little creamy, and totally delicious.
These changes don’t complicate the cooking. They just let you stretch one great method into countless personalized meals—all anchored by the irresistible flavor of Boursin.
How to Store, Reheat, and Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Reheating Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Without Losing That Creamy Magic
Chicken Boursin cheese pasta makes incredible leftovers—if you store it right. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, but don’t worry—it’s easy to bring back to life.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or even reserved pasta water. Warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently to revive the creaminess without separating the sauce. Avoid microwaving at full power, which can make the cheese gritty. A lower setting with frequent stirring is best if you’re in a rush.
If you enjoy cream-free variations for lighter meals, I also recommend trying my chicken pasta recipe without cream for a change of pace. But when you want something richer, this dish reheats like a dream.
Serving Ideas to Make Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Feel Like a Feast
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few simple sides can turn it into a well-rounded meal. I like to serve it with a peppery arugula salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. A warm slice of garlic bread is always welcome on the side.
Planning a dinner party? Plate it with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for an elegant finish. You can even upgrade your presentation like I do for guests when making fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp and chicken: clean bowl edges, garnish, and pour that glass of crisp white wine.
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a busy Wednesday night, chicken Boursin cheese pasta always fits the moment—and always disappears fast.
FAQs About Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
What can I use instead of Boursin cheese in chicken pasta?
If Boursin isn’t available, you can use cream cheese with added garlic and dried herbs like parsley, chives, and dill. It won’t taste identical, but it’ll still be creamy and flavorful.
Can I make chicken Boursin cheese pasta dairy-free or lighter?
Yes. Use plant-based cream cheese alternatives and dairy-free cream. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk—but note, the sauce will be thinner.
Will this recipe work with leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip the sautéing step and warm the cooked chicken in the sauce before adding the pasta. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers quickly.
How can I turn this into a one-pot meal?
Use a large sauté pan to cook the chicken, then add uncooked pasta, water, and cream directly to the pan with the cheese. Simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens—like a creamy chicken Boursin cheese pasta skillet.
Conclusion
Simple, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes—chicken Boursin cheese pasta checks all the right boxes. It brings big flavor without complicated steps. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a table full of friends, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t ask much of you. And when a recipe this easy can taste this luxurious, it’s no wonder it ends up on repeat.
