Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli is a quick and creamy dish that highlights the rich, herb-infused flavor of Boursin cheese.
Tender broccoli florets add a fresh, nutritious element, while your favorite pasta acts as a perfect base to capture the luxurious sauce. It’s an easy dinner solution when you want restaurant-quality taste in minimal time.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife (for preparing broccoli)
Ingredients Overview
- Pasta: Choose short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells that can hold onto the sauce.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets or thawed frozen broccoli bring texture and color.
- Boursin cheese: A soft, herb and garlic cheese spread that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Milk or cream: Helps thin the Boursin and creates a silky sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional herbs for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic and fine herbs flavor or your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (adjust to desired sauce consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional garnish: grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, or red pepper flakes
Directions
- Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the broccoli If using fresh broccoli, add it to the pasta pot during the last 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking. Alternatively, sauté the florets in a skillet with a little oil until crisp-tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to the dish.
- Make the sauce In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the Boursin cheese with the milk or cream. Stir gently until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water or more milk.
- Combine Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the Boursin sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: ~10g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~38g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~2g
Expert Tips
- Reserve pasta water The starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Add protein Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Spice it up Include a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to contrast the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese spread?
Yes, any herb-infused spreadable cheese will work similarly, though flavor profiles may differ.
What if I don’t have milk or cream?
Use a bit of chicken or vegetable broth with extra reserved pasta water to create a sauce, though it will be less creamy.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and confirm your cheese spread is GF-certified.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems too thick.
Substitutions & Variations
- Lower fat Replace cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, adjusting to taste.
- Extra veggies Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Vegan adaptation Use a plant-based cheese spread and dairy-free milk, and ensure pasta is egg-free.
Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli
Equipment
- - Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- - Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Cutting board and knife (for preparing broccoli)
Ingredients
- - 8 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or shells
- - 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed if frozen
- - 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter optional, for sautéing
- - 1 5.2 oz package Boursin cheese (garlic and fine herbs flavor or your favorite variety)
- - 1/2 cup milk or cream adjust to desired sauce consistency
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- - Optional garnish: grated Parmesan fresh herbs, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- **Cook the pasta** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- **Cook the broccoli** If using fresh broccoli, add it to the pasta pot during the last 2–3 minutes of pasta cooking. Alternatively, sauté the florets in a skillet with a little oil until crisp-tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain thoroughly before adding to the dish.
- **Make the sauce** In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the Boursin cheese with the milk or cream. Stir gently until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water or more milk.
- **Combine** Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat everything in the Boursin sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- **Serve** Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Leave a Reply