This creamy Boursin cheese pasta is super easy and oh-so-delicious! Tossed with tender broccoli, it makes a tasty and colorful dish that’s hard to resist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using mafaldine for its ribbon-like shape, but feel free to use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta work well too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a lovely crunch and color. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just make sure to thaw them first!
Boursin cheese: This creamy, flavored cheese adds so much taste. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with some herbs and garlic powder for a similar effect.
Heavy cream: While I enjoy the richness of heavy cream, you can use whole milk or even a plant-based milk like almond or oat if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
Making the sauce creamy and well-blended is crucial. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After sautéing garlic, lower the heat before adding Boursin cheese and cream. This prevents burning and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water. This will loosen it up without losing creaminess.
- Be sure to toss the pasta and broccoli gently in the sauce to evenly coat everything.
These steps will help you create a wonderful, creamy texture that clings to the pasta and broccoli beautifully! Enjoy your cooking!
Boursin Cheese Pasta With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as mafaldine, fettuccine, or your preferred shape)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare—making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal! You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the pasta and broccoli, and another 10 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. When it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning there’s still a bit of bite to it!
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
Now, during the last 3-4 minutes of the pasta cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets. This will blanch them, making them tender yet still bright and green. It’s such a pretty addition!
3. Drain and Reserve Water:
Before you drain the pasta and broccoli, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Then, drain them together and set aside for a moment.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant—but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Make the Sauce:
Now, lower the heat a bit and add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream (or milk) into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and you have a lovely, creamy sauce.
6. Combine Pasta and Broccoli:
Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in that delicious creamy sauce.
7. Finish with Cheese and Season:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and add the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right consistency.
8. Season to Taste:
Lastly, season your pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well so that all the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy Boursin cheese pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra spice.
Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite of your Boursin cheese pasta with vibrant broccoli!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pasta. You can also add the frozen florets directly to the boiling pasta for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking—no need to thaw before that!
What Can I Substitute for Boursin Cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin, you can use cream cheese with added garlic and herbs. Simply mix about 4 ounces of cream cheese with some minced garlic, dried herbs, and a bit of salt and pepper to mimic the flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to help revive the creaminess, and warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Definitely! You can swap the Boursin for a vegan cream cheese or a cashew cream, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
