Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Upgrade

Introduction

The viral baked pasta trend swept the internet for good reason: it’s incredibly simple, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor. While the original recipe popularized the use of feta cheese, we believe the ultimate upgrade involves swapping in Boursin. Boursin, a soft, herbed Gournay cheese (typically the Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor), melts into a luxurious, impossibly creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This recipe takes the dump-and-bake concept and elevates it to restaurant-quality comfort food, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

340 g / 12 oz Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Farfalle)
150 g / 5.3 oz Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
680 g / 1.5 lbs Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
60 ml / 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
120 ml / 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Fresh Basil or Parsley, for garnish

Step-by-step Preparation

Preheat and Prep the Dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until the tomatoes are fully coated. Tip: Use a dish large enough so the tomatoes are spread out; this allows them to roast rather than steam.
Position the Cheese: Create a small well in the center of the tomatoes and place the entire block of Boursin cheese there. Drizzle the top of the cheese lightly with olive oil.
Bake the Sauce: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The tomatoes should be blistered, wrinkly, and bursting, and the Boursin should be melted, soft, and slightly browned on the edges.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the starchy pasta water. Tip: Undercook the pasta by one minute, as it will finish cooking in the hot sauce.
Combine and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spatula, gently mash the tomatoes and stir them thoroughly into the melted Boursin. The mixture will transform into a creamy, herby sauce. Add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the sauce emulsifies and coats the pasta beautifully. Garnish generously with fresh basil or parsley before serving immediately.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings. Nutritional information is an estimate, but one serving contains roughly 550-600 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil, dietary fiber and Vitamin C from the tomatoes, and provides a significant source of calcium and protein. Due to the richness of the Boursin, this dish is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storage

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, the sauce may appear dry as the pasta absorbs moisture upon cooling. To restore the creamy texture, reheat servings in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk while stirring until the sauce loosens up.

Conclusion

This Boursin Baked Pasta is more than just a passing trend—it’s a staple recipe for its simplicity and flavor profile. To add complexity, consider tossing in a handful of fresh spinach during the final stir, or adding cooked protein like shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp before serving. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the final dish, making it your new favorite weeknight indulgence.