Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta – Fall in Love in 30 Minutes
Introduction
If there’s one dish that captures both elegance and comfort in a single bite, it’s creamy Boursin shrimp pasta. With tender shrimp, a velvety garlic and herb cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or just yourself on a cozy evening, this creamy pasta checks all the boxes. In this article, we’ll walk through my story behind the dish, how to pick the best ingredients, and pro cooking tips to make it silky and rich every time.
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Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta – Fall in Love in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Boursin shrimp pasta is rich, garlicky, and ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or elegant gathering.
Ingredients
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic to skillet and sauté 30 seconds.
4. Lower heat and stir in Boursin and pasta water.
5. Add heavy cream if using. Stir until smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss gently.
7. Return shrimp to skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
8. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
Swap shrimp for chicken or mushrooms if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Cajun Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta: Ingredients & Kitchen Prep Tips
You don’t need a dozen ingredients to make creamy Boursin shrimp pasta—it’s all about choosing the right ones. The beauty of this dish is that each element pulls its weight, and the balance of creamy cheese, plump shrimp, and tender pasta creates pure comfort.
Why Boursin Makes the Best Creamy Pasta Base
Boursin cheese is the hero here. Made from cow’s milk, it’s infused with garlic and herbs, giving your creamy Boursin shrimp pasta instant depth without needing extra seasonings. Unlike hard cheeses, Boursin melts effortlessly into a smooth, luscious texture. Choose the classic Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor for a bold, creamy base that tastes like you simmered it for hours—even though it only takes minutes.
Fresh vs Frozen Shrimp: Does It Matter for Flavor?
Here’s the deal: both work, but if you can get your hands on fresh (or at least shell-on frozen) shrimp, your dish will have sweeter, juicier flavor. Look for medium to large shrimp—those labeled 21/25 or 16/20 per pound—so they don’t overcook during sautéing. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Pat them dry before tossing them in the pan so they sear instead of steam.
Pro tip: Season your shrimp just before they hit the pan. Over-marinating can make them rubbery.
And when it comes to the pasta, short shapes like rotini, penne, or even farfalle work beautifully—they hold the creamy Boursin sauce in every groove. Or, if you’re leaning toward a seafood twist on a classic Cajun shrimp pasta, linguine offers a slurp-worthy option too.
Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta: Step-by-Step Recipe with Pro Tips
Let’s bring this creamy Boursin shrimp pasta to life. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and if you prep a few things ahead of time, it’s practically foolproof. The goal? Plump shrimp, tender pasta, and a velvety Boursin sauce that clings to every bite.
How to Sauté Shrimp for Perfect Texture
Start by heating olive oil and a touch of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan. Cook them for about 90 seconds per side until they’re pink and just opaque. Remove them immediately and set aside. This step is key: overcooked shrimp can ruin the dish. You want them juicy, not chewy.
Want another great shrimp-based dinner idea? This Cajun pasta with smoked sausage offers an equally bold flavor twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Melting Boursin Without Breaking the Sauce
Once the shrimp are done, reduce the heat and add a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Then, drop in the Boursin cheese. Use a silicone spatula to break it up as it melts. Stir gently—patience is your friend here. Add a bit of heavy cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The residual heat will finish melting the cheese into a velvety base.
Toss in your cooked pasta and coat evenly. Add the shrimp back in during the final minute so they warm without overcooking. You’ll know it’s ready when everything looks glossy and well-blended.
Looking for another bold, one-pan weeknight hit? Try this one pot smoky Cajun chicken and sausage pasta.
Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta: Serving, Storing, and Flavor Swaps
Once your creamy Boursin shrimp pasta is ready, it’s time to serve it like the comforting showstopper it is. Whether you’re setting a cozy weeknight table or feeding guests, a few simple extras can make this meal shine—and yes, it stores beautifully, too.
How to Keep Creamy Pasta Creamy After Reheating
The trick to keeping creamy Boursin shrimp pasta luscious the next day lies in your storage and reheat technique. First, store leftovers in an airtight container, ideally within 30 minutes of cooking. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet over low heat before stirring in the pasta. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to break the sauce.
Flavor Variations: Add Spinach, Mushrooms, or Cajun Heat
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s fun to change things up. Add a handful of baby spinach at the end for a burst of green that wilts perfectly into the sauce. Or sauté sliced mushrooms along with the shrimp to bring in earthy depth. Want heat? Stir in Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
This creamy Boursin shrimp pasta recipe is a canvas. And if you’re craving variety, swap the shrimp for shredded rotisserie chicken or even smoked salmon for a smoky, elegant twist.
Serve with crusty bread, a green salad—and you’ve got a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without ever leaving home.
FAQs
What is Boursin made of?
Boursin is a creamy, spreadable cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk, flavored with garlic, herbs, salt, and spices. Its whipped texture and savory blend make it perfect for melting into sauces or spreading on bread.
How to make Boursin and tomato pasta?
To make Boursin and tomato pasta, sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, then add Boursin cheese and a splash of pasta water to create a sauce. Toss in cooked pasta and stir until creamy. You can also roast the tomatoes first for deeper flavor.
Can you use Boursin in cooking?
Yes! Boursin is fantastic in hot dishes like creamy shrimp pasta, risottos, omelets, and even baked casseroles. It melts smoothly and adds rich garlic and herb flavor instantly, cutting down prep time.
Can I use Boursin as a pasta sauce?
Absolutely. Just stir it into warm pasta with a bit of reserved pasta water or cream. It creates a quick, flavorful sauce without needing flour or roux. It’s a staple in creamy Boursin shrimp pasta and other one-pan dinners.
Can you melt Boursin cheese?
Yes, Boursin melts easily over low to medium heat. Break it into chunks and stir gently into warm liquids like pasta water or cream. Avoid high heat, which may cause it to separate.
How do you keep creamy pasta creamy?
Keep the heat low and use enough liquid—either cream or reserved pasta water—when reheating. Stir gently and serve immediately after the sauce comes together. Airtight storage and slow reheating help maintain creaminess.
Conclusion
Creamy Boursin shrimp pasta is everything we crave in a homemade meal—fast, flavorful, and comforting without fuss. With just a few smart ingredients like garlic herb Boursin cheese and tender shrimp, you can whip up a dish that tastes gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that fits any mood: quick enough for a weeknight, special enough for a dinner guest, and comforting enough for quiet nights in.
