This creamy Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli is a tasty treat that’s super easy to whip up. The cheese melts into a rich sauce that makes every bite deliciously cheesy!
You can’t go wrong with a quick meal that uses just a few ingredients! I love how the broccoli adds a nice crunch, making it a fun dish to enjoy. Perfect for busy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used rotini because the spirals really hold onto the creamy sauce. You can swap it for fusilli, penne, or even whole grain pasta if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta works well too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star here, but you could sub in other veggies like spinach, peas, or asparagus if broccoli isn’t your thing. Frozen broccoli can also work in a pinch—just add it directly to the boiling water with the pasta.
Boursin cheese: This herb cheese gives the dish great flavor. If you can’t find it, you could use any cream cheese mixed with Italian herbs, or try goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are great alternatives for a dairy-free option!
How Can I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
Getting that perfect creamy sauce is easier than it might seem! The key step is to melt the Boursin cheese in the skillet over low heat. Here’s how:
- After sautéing the garlic, lower the heat before adding the cheese and milk. This prevents the cheese from browning and creating clumps.
- Stir constantly while adding the milk gradually. This helps create a smooth sauce.
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
By following these steps, you’ll have a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully!
How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
Flavorings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend approximately 10 minutes cooking the pasta and broccoli, and another 10 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything. Quick and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil and Cook Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
When your pasta has about 3 minutes left to cook, toss in the broccoli florets with the pasta. This will cook the broccoli perfectly while keeping it vibrant! Drain both the pasta and broccoli together and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic:
In a large skillet, add olive oil and set the heat to medium. Once the oil warms up, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat and add the Boursin cheese along with the milk to the skillet. Stir well until the cheese melts and combines with the milk to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This step is key for that rich texture!
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add your cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure every piece of pasta and broccoli is coated nicely with the delicious sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well for a cheesy goodness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Boursin cheese pasta warm, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. If you like a kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!
Enjoy your rich, creamy Boursin cheese pasta with tender broccoli—it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini and fusilli work great for this recipe, you can substitute them with any pasta shape you like, such as penne, farfalle, or even whole grain pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary depending on the shape you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Boursin Cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin, you can easily make a substitute by mixing cream cheese with Italian herbs and garlic powder. Alternatively, goat cheese or feta can provide a different but tasty flavor to your dish!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, you can modify this recipe to be vegan! Use a plant-based cream cheese or vegan cheese alternative in place of Boursin and skip the Parmesan, or use a vegan Parmesan. You can also replace the milk with a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally for even heating!
