Creamy Boursin Pasta with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes
A quick and indulgent pasta dish featuring the rich, herbaceous creaminess of Boursin cheese combined with juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. This Italian-inspired recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sauce that clings to every noodle—ideal for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: For making the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring
- Knife & cutting board: To prep garlic, tomatoes, and lemon zest.
- Measuring cups & spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz 340 g of your favorite shape (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- Boursin Cheese: 1 package 7 oz/200 g Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint halved
- Spinach: 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional Heat: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like a little spice
- Garnish: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Brightness: Zest of 1 lemon
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 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Combine Dairy & Greens:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Crumble the Boursin cheese into the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the cream, forming a rich sauce.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
- (If using, stir in the lemon zest and red pepper flakes at this point.)
- Mix Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet.
- Toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (Boiling & Sautéing)
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords
- Boursin, pasta, creamy, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Italian, weeknight dinner, quick, cheesy pasta, herbaceous
- Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Serving Size: ~1 plate (about 300–350 g)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Total Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Note: Nutrition values are estimated based on common ingredient data and may vary with brands and portion sizes.
Notes
Pasta Choice: Feel free to use any pasta shape you love—the sauce will cling beautifully to most varieties.
Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect creaminess.
Lighter Option: For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream or substitute part of it with milk (using a cornstarch slurry to help thicken if needed).
Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding other vegetables (like mushrooms or zucchini) or fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for additional flavor.
Serving Tip: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect creaminess.
Lighter Option: For a lighter version, reduce the heavy cream or substitute part of it with milk (using a cornstarch slurry to help thicken if needed).
Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding other vegetables (like mushrooms or zucchini) or fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for additional flavor.
Serving Tip: This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.