If you're craving a delicious, creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make yet full of flavor, this Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe is just what you need. Packed with tender chicken, savory garlic, and a luscious cheese sauce made from Boursin—a rich, herbed cheese—this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your dinner guests. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you'll have a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make it your own!

What is Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish that combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a decadent sauce made from Boursin cheese—a soft, creamy cheese infused with herbs and garlic. The pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly, creating a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients List for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for seasoning the water
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Chicken substitutes: You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option, or swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Boursin cheese alternatives: If you don’t have Boursin, you can substitute it with cream cheese, goat cheese, or a combination of cream cheese and garlic with herbs for a similar flavor profile.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
- Add veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli florets to the dish.
- Make it spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to make for a special occasion. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once it’s cool enough to handle, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Boursin Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Boursin cheese and Italian seasoning, letting the cheese melt into the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with the reserved pasta water, adding a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and diced chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.
- If desired, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once everything is combined, transfer the Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta to serving bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Always cook your pasta until it's al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold up well in the sauce.
- Letting the sauce thicken too much: If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with reserved pasta water or extra broth.
- Cooking the chicken on high heat: Cooking the chicken on too high heat can lead to burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium heat ensures an evenly cooked, tender chicken breast.
- Not seasoning the pasta water: Be sure to salt your pasta water generously. This helps season the pasta itself, adding flavor to the entire dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta, presentation matters just as much as taste. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Serve in wide bowls: Use wide pasta bowls or shallow dishes to help showcase the creamy sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top adds color and a hint of brightness to the creamy sauce.
- Add a lemon wedge: Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can cut through the richness of the sauce and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
How to Serve Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
This dish is rich and indulgent, so it pairs well with lighter side dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to create a complete meal:
- Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing side to balance out the creamy pasta.
- Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli make for healthy and flavorful sides.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta
- Individual servings: For a formal dinner, plate the pasta in individual portions and garnish each with a sprig of parsley and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Family-style: Serve the pasta in a large, decorative serving bowl in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Elegant touch: Use a microplane to finely grate Parmesan cheese over the top and finish with freshly ground black pepper for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality Boursin cheese: The flavor of this dish heavily relies on the Boursin cheese, so using a good-quality brand will make a big difference.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: Adding a little reserved pasta water to the sauce helps it adhere to the pasta better and creates a silkier consistency.
- Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! If you don’t have Boursin cheese, you can use cream cheese, goat cheese, or a blend of cream cheese and fresh herbs.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
A: You can use whole wheat pasta or a vegetable-based pasta for added fiber. You can also replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative to reduce the calorie content.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta?
A: While the pasta itself may not freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw and heat the sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Conclusion
Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors that will make any meal special. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a gourmet-level dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own—happy cooking!
PrintChicken Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs for an irresistibly rich dish. Quick and easy, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a simple gourmet meal. The Boursin cheese adds a luscious texture while enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken and pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 5 oz Boursin Garlic & Herb cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Boursin cheese and allow it to melt into a creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute Boursin with cream cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more or less broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700 mg
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