There’s just something magical about the way a rich, velvety sauce envelops every ridge of tender pasta, especially when that sauce features the irresistibly creamy, herb-laced charm of Boursin cheese. Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese is the kind of comforting, restaurant-worthy pasta you can whip up at home in under half an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you crave a little indulgence. This dish combines the gentle heat of garlic, the silkiness of heavy cream, and the savory punch of Parmesan, all brought together with the star ingredient: Boursin, which infuses every bite with garlicky, herby goodness. Whether you’re a longtime Boursin fanatic or new to this creamy sensation, you’ll find yourself falling for this dreamy bowl, one forkful at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few essential ingredients come together to create such deep, luxurious flavor. Each component is chosen to bring something unique to the table, whether it’s texture, color, or that signature creaminess.
- Rigatoni pasta: Those chunky tubes are made for holding onto creamy sauces, giving you the perfect bite every time.
- Olive oil: A swirl of good olive oil sets the foundation for a rich, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds instant warmth and signature Italian flair to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is key for a luscious, silky texture; don’t skimp here for full effect!
- Boursin cheese (garlic and herb): The real hero of the dish, lending creamy body, brightness, and herbal notes.
- Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty punch that balances out the richness beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the flavors in the sauce and pasta.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, earthy kick that highlights the cheese and cream.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle for a gentle heat, or omit if you prefer things mild.
- Fresh parsley: A final burst of bright color and fresh flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This way, the pasta has that perfect bit of chew, ready to soak in every drop of your luscious cream sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’re about to make magic in a skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for about a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown; you want the garlic to infuse the oil and give a gentle savory backbone to the whole dish.
Step 3: Simmer the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce’s silkiness starts to develop, so just keep an eye out for little bubbles forming at the edges—no need to boil aggressively.
Step 4: Melt in the Boursin
Tear open that round of Boursin and crumble it right into the sizzling cream. Stir constantly as it melts down into a smooth, dreamy sauce. You’ll immediately notice those signature aromas of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen—this is the heart of your Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Sprinkle in your grated Parmesan, along with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Stir until everything blends into the most tempting, creamy sauce you’ve ever seen.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat. Use a big spoon or tongs to turn the pasta in the sauce, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Let it all heat through for 2 to 3 minutes until the flavors fuse together and the whole pan looks irresistible.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove from the heat and scatter with plenty of chopped fresh parsley. This last step brings freshness and gorgeous color, making your Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese truly dinner party-worthy. Serve right away while it’s at its creamiest and most delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese
Garnishes
Nothing brings out the elegance of this pasta like a handful of fresh parsley and a little extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. For a pop of heat, sprinkle on an extra pinch of red pepper flakes, or add a grind of black pepper right before serving. These finishing touches make your Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is satisfyingly rich, I love to lighten things up with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. Think tender broccolini, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette—perfect for balancing out the creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and a big sprig of parsley on top. Or try layering it in a pretty baking dish, topping with Parmesan, and broiling for a golden, bubbly finish. You can even spoon it into individual ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature, then spoon it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits, making next-day lunches extra special.
Freezing
While Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Divide into individual portions, place in airtight, freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. It will keep for up to one month. To preserve the creamy texture, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, place them in a saucepan or skillet over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating also works (use medium power), just be sure to stir halfway through and add a bit of extra cream so your pasta stays luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently, then toss with freshly cooked rigatoni right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of Boursin cheese?
If you don’t have Boursin, try a mix of cream cheese and goat cheese with garlic and herbs added in. The flavor won’t be quite the same, but you’ll achieve a similar creamy, tangy result.
Is Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese gluten-free?
The sauce itself is gluten-free! Simply use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni pasta and prepare as directed for a delicious, gluten-free meal.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even cooked shrimp make excellent protein additions. Simply stir them in with the pasta at the end for a heartier twist.
How spicy is this dish?
Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese is quite mild as written, but you can customize the spice level by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Add more for a little fiery kick or omit them for a mellow, family-friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one pasta recipe you need to try this week, it’s definitely Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese. With its rich, comforting sauce and punchy herbal notes, it’s pure dinnertime happiness in a bowl. Give it a whirl, and you just might find it becomes your new favorite, too!
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Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Rigatoni pasta dish enhanced with the savory flavor of Boursin cheese. A comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rigatoni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add cream, simmer, then melt Boursin cheese. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss, and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
