Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

Imagine twirling your fork through creamy, velvety strands of pasta coated in melted Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, punctuated by tender-crisp bites of vibrant green broccoli. This luxurious yet simple dish combines the signature herb-and-garlic notes of Boursin cheese with perfectly cooked pasta and nutritious broccoli for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests without hours in the kitchen, this Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create a silky cheese sauce that clings beautifully to every bite, cook broccoli to the perfect texture, and bring it all together in one irresistible dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the creamy, herb-infused cheese sauce and the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting. The Boursin cheese melts into a luscious sauce that requires no flour, heavy cream, or complicated techniques – it simply transforms into silky perfection with a bit of pasta water.

Time-pressed cooks will appreciate that this dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it faster than delivery but tasting like something you’d order at an upscale Italian restaurant. The ingredient list is refreshingly short, focusing on quality components that do the heavy lifting flavor-wise. And while it tastes indulgent, the addition of broccoli brings nutritional balance, making this cheesy broccoli pasta dish something you can feel good about serving regularly.

The versatility is another major selling point – it works beautifully as a main dish, a sophisticated side, or even cold the next day as a pasta salad. Its crowd-pleasing flavor profile makes it a hit with both adults and children, solving the eternal dinner dilemma in one delicious swoop.

Ingredients

For this spectacular Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, farfalle, or fusilli work best)
• 5 cups (340g) fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 packages (5.2 oz/150g each) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta water
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

The star ingredient is, of course, the Boursin cheese – its creamy texture and built-in herb flavor create an instant sauce when melted. Choose the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety for the most complementary flavor profile, though the Shallot & Chive version makes a delightful alternative. For the pasta, select shapes with ridges or curves that will capture and hold the creamy sauce in every bite.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Water Is Your Secret Weapon
Always save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This golden liquid is the key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta rather than pooling at the bottom of your dish. The starch in the water helps emulsify the cheese and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy or breaking. Add the reserved water gradually while stirring to achieve the perfect consistency.

Master the Broccoli Cooking Technique
For the ideal Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, timing the broccoli is crucial. For the perfect texture, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. This blanches them to bright green perfection – tender enough to enjoy but still with a slight crunch. If you prefer softer broccoli, add it 1-2 minutes earlier. Never overcook broccoli as it will turn mushy and lose its vibrant color and nutritional value.

Temperature Control for Creamy Perfection
The key to a smooth cheese sauce is temperature management. Remove the pasta and broccoli from heat before adding the Boursin cheese. Allow it to melt gradually in the residual heat, stirring gently. If you add the cheese while the pan is still on high heat, it can separate and become grainy. For extra creaminess, cut the Boursin into smaller pieces before adding to help it melt more evenly and quickly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should taste like the sea – this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, get ready to add your broccoli.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets directly to the boiling pasta water about 2-3 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking. This perfectly times the broccoli to be tender-crisp just as the pasta reaches al dente. Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – this is essential for creating your sauce. Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Return the empty pot to the stove over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add red pepper flakes if using, then remove the pot from heat. This brief cooking infuses the oil with garlic flavor without risking burnt garlic, which would impart bitterness.

Step 4: Combine and Create the Sauce
Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot with the garlic oil. Immediately add the Boursin cheese in chunks and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir gently but continuously until the cheese melts completely and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency – creamy enough to coat the pasta but not watery.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and continue gently tossing until incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and add the fresh lemon juice if using – it brightens the richness of the dish. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan and cracked black pepper if desired. Your Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli is now ready to be devoured!

Variations

Protein-Packed Version
Transform your Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli into a heartier meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken breast, cut into strips, makes this a complete one-dish dinner. Alternatively, sauté 8 ounces of shrimp with a bit of garlic and fold them in just before serving for an elegant seafood twist. For a vegetarian protein boost, add 1 cup of cooked white beans or chickpeas – they absorb the creamy sauce beautifully while adding satisfying texture.

Seasonal Vegetable Variations
While broccoli is the classic pairing in this Boursin pasta dish, you can adapt it seasonally. In spring, substitute fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces. Summer calls for cherry tomatoes and zucchini, sautéed briefly before being tossed with the pasta. Fall brings opportunities for roasted butternut squash cubes or sautéed mushrooms, which add an earthy dimension to complement the creamy cheese. For a delicious twist, try broccoli rabe for a slightly bitter contrast to the rich sauce.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
This recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta – corn and rice blends tend to hold their shape best. The sauce works exactly the same way, though you may need slightly less pasta water as gluten-free varieties sometimes release more starch. Keep the cooking water as directed and add gradually until you achieve the perfect consistency.

Storage and Serving

This Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the sauce is at its creamiest and the broccoli maintains its vibrant color and texture. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can cause the sauce to separate.

For an elegant serving suggestion, present this pasta in warmed bowls and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, and a few cracks of black pepper. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette – the peppery greens and bright dressing perfectly complement the rich pasta.

This dish also makes a spectacular side for grilled or roasted meats. Try it alongside a herb-roasted chicken or grilled steak for a restaurant-quality dinner at home. For wine pairing, opt for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay that can stand up to the creamy sauce while complementing the herbal notes in the Boursin cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works in this Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli recipe. Thaw it first and add it to the pasta for just the last minute of cooking since it’s already blanched. Pat it dry before adding to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.

What can I substitute for Boursin cheese if I can’t find it?
If Boursin is unavailable, mix 6 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon each of minced fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill) and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Alternatively, goat cheese mixed with herbs makes a tangy substitute with a similar melting quality.

My sauce seems too thick. How can I fix it?
Simply add more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring gently over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. The starchy water will thin the sauce while maintaining its creamy texture.

Can this dish be made ahead for a dinner party?
For best results, prepare the components separately up to a day ahead: cook the pasta al dente, blanch the broccoli, and refrigerate both. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature, then proceed with making the fresh sauce and combining everything.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli is vegetarian as written. Just ensure your Parmesan is made with vegetarian rennet if serving strict vegetarians. For a vegan adaptation, use plant-based cream cheese blended with herbs and nutritional yeast instead of the Boursin and Parmesan.

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