Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’re looking for a pasta dish that tastes incredibly gourmet but requires minimal effort, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Boursin Pasta Bake. This recipe takes the viral baked feta pasta concept and elevates it with the rich, herby, and utterly creamy magic of Boursin cheese. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Boursin Pasta Bake is a revelation in simplicity and flavor. I absolutely love it because it’s a true one-dish wonder(or almost one-dish, since you cook the pasta separately), which means cleanup is a breeze. The Boursin cheese melts down into an incredibly luxurious, garlicky, and herbaceous sauce, perfectly complementing the sweet roasted tomatoes. It’s a fantastic way to get a comforting, hearty meal on the table with very little hands-on time, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want something extraordinary.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Boursin Pasta Bake:

• 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is perfect)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 3-4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are best for their sweetness and how they burst when roasted. Larger tomatoes can be used if quartered, but the small ones caramelize beautifully.
• Boursin Cheese: The Garlic & Fine Herbs variety is highly recommended for this recipe, as its pre-mixed flavors are what make the sauce so easy and delicious. Other Boursin flavors could be interesting, but this one is the classic.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil to enhance the flavors as the tomatoes roast.
• Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: While Boursin has garlic, adding a bit more fresh sliced garlic enhances the savory depth. Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
• Pasta: Any short pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well is ideal. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as alternatives.
• Additions: Want to add protein? Stir in cooked chicken (shredded or diced), sautéed shrimp, or even some crumbled cooked sausage at the very end. A handful of fresh spinach can also be wilted into the hot pasta.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe baking dish (a 9×13 inch or similar size works well), add the cherry tomatoes.
2. Arrange Boursin: Place the entire block of Boursin cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
3. Season & Roast: Drizzle the olive oil generously over the tomatoes and Boursin. Scatter the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) over the tomatoes. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and are slightly caramelized, and the Boursin cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
5. Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes and Boursin are roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 to 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
6. Create Sauce: Once the baking dish is out of the oven, use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash the roasted tomatoes and melted Boursin cheese. Stir vigorously until a creamy, luscious sauce forms.
7. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything together, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed, to create a silkier sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your tomatoes and Boursin have enough space in the baking dish to roast evenly. If necessary, use two smaller dishes.
• Hot Oven is Key: High heat ensures the tomatoes burst and caramelize, developing deep flavor.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is essential! It helps create the creamy, emulsified sauce and allows you to adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Mash & Stir Well: Don’t be shy when mashing the roasted tomatoes and Boursin. You want to create a smooth, well-combined sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Like most creamy pasta dishes, this is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the sauce is at its creamiest.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Boursin Pasta Bake is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some delightful ways to serve it:

• Garlic Bread or Ciabatta: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or a slice of ciabatta is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a bright vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an un-oaked Chardonnay would complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Boursin Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, the sauce may thicken significantly as it cools. To loosen it up, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring frequently. You can also microwave it, stirring often.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful pasta dishes and satisfying one-pan meals, you’re in for a treat! Check out some of my other popular recipes:

• For a truly classic and comforting meal that’s always a hit, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• If you love quick dinners packed with savory goodness, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a go-to for speed and flavor.
• For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient and delicious, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• Finally, for an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner.

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Final Thoughts

This Boursin Pasta Bake is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with smart cooking techniques, can yield a dish that tastes both elegant and incredibly comforting. It’s quickly become a favorite in my home, and I’m sure it will in yours too!

Have you tried Boursin cheese in your cooking before? What are your favorite quick and easy pasta recipes? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.