This creamy Boursin cheese pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With fresh broccoli mixed in, it’s both comforting and colorful on your plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using fettuccine for this dish because its flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have fettuccine, tagliatelle or even penne work nicely too. Gluten-free pasta is a great option if you need to avoid gluten.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the dish a nice crunch and vibrant color. Feel free to swap it for other vegetables like asparagus or peas if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different veggies!
Boursin Cheese: This garlic and herb cheese is fantastic for creamy pasta. If you can’t find Boursin, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs can make a suitable substitute.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta and Broccoli Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked pasta and broccoli lies in timing. Start by boiling your salted water well; this enhances flavor. Add the pasta first and keep an eye on the cooking time.
- About 3-4 minutes before the pasta is done, toss in the broccoli florets. This will lightly cook them while maintaining their bright color and crispness.
- After draining, remember to save some of that pasta water. It’s helpful for adjusting the sauce’s thickness later!
Boursin Cheese Pasta With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Broccoli:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 2 cups)
For the Sauce:
- 1 package (5.2 oz / 150 g) garlic and herb Boursin cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes total—10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
During the last 3-4 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This will cook them until they are tender yet still crisp. When ready, drain both the pasta and the broccoli together, saving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later use.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta and broccoli are draining, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown!
4. Mix in the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add the Boursin cheese along with the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir these together until the cheese has melted completely and they create a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Everything:
Add the drained pasta and broccoli back to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta in the delicious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Final Touches:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this scrumptious pasta mixture immediately! Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick, if you like. Enjoy your creamy Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook than regular pasta.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers. Just ensure that they are cooked until tender before mixing them in with the pasta and sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce if necessary.