One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

Imagine twirling your fork through silky, creamy pasta that clings perfectly to each strand, punctuated by tender bites of bright green broccoli. This One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dinner that tastes like it took hours, not minutes. The velvety Boursin cheese melts into a dreamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta while the broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious element to balance the richness. You’ll learn how to create this comforting meal with minimal cleanup, perfect techniques for cooking pasta and broccoli together, and clever ways to customize this versatile dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli will quickly become a family favorite for multiple reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your evening. The contrast between the creamy, herb-infused Boursin sauce and the slight bite of perfectly cooked broccoli creates a textural symphony that’s both satisfying and elegant.

The garlic herb Boursin cheese pasta delivers incredible flavor complexity without requiring dozens of ingredients or spices. The cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every pasta strand with herb-flecked creaminess. Meanwhile, the broccoli adds a nutritious element, cooking to tender-crisp perfection and absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Even kitchen novices can master this dish, as the one-pot method eliminates guesswork about timing—everything finishes cooking together in perfect harmony. It’s equally suitable for busy weeknights and casual entertaining, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

For this One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
• 4 cups (950ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cups (340g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 package (5.2 oz/150g) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

The Boursin cheese is the star ingredient, providing a ready-made blend of herbs and garlic in a creamy base. Choose a good quality pasta that will hold the sauce well in its ridges or curves.

Pro Tips

Test Pasta Correctly: When checking if your pasta is done in this one-pot method, fish out a single piece and cut it in half. For the One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, you want pasta that’s just slightly firmer than al dente before adding the Boursin, as it will continue cooking in the residual heat. Look for a tiny white dot in the center—this means it’s perfect for adding the cheese.

Timing the Broccoli Addition: Add broccoli at exactly the right moment—too early and it becomes mushy, too late and it stays raw. For this Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli, add florets when pasta has about 3-4 minutes left to cook. They’ll turn bright green and become tender-crisp while retaining their nutrients and texture.

Creating the Creamiest Sauce: For the silkiest Boursin sauce, remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese. Cut the Boursin into smaller chunks and stir gently until completely melted. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This ensures a smooth, clump-free sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta and broccoli.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 2

Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the pasta to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Set your timer for 3-4 minutes less than the package directions indicate.

Step 3

When the timer goes off, add the broccoli florets directly to the pot with the pasta. Stir gently to incorporate, ensuring the broccoli is mostly submerged. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the pasta is almost al dente and the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4

Check that most (but not all) of the liquid has been absorbed—you want some starchy pasta water remaining to help create the sauce. Remove the pot from heat. Add the chunks of Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir gently but continuously until the cheese has completely melted and formed a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5

Add red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and taste for salt, adjusting as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or reserved pasta water. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors of your One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli.

Step 6

Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Offer additional grated Parmesan at the table for those who’d like extra cheese.

Variations

Protein-Packed Version: Transform your One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli into a heartier meal by adding protein. Stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or 1 pound of sautéed shrimp during the final few minutes of cooking. The proteins will warm through and absorb the creamy Boursin sauce, creating a complete one-dish meal that’s perfect for hungry households.

Vegetable Medley: Customize your Boursin garlic pasta by substituting or adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Try adding 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cups of baby spinach, or 1 cup of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. This versatility makes it perfect for using seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand in your refrigerator.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This creamy one-pot dish works beautifully with gluten-free pasta varieties. Choose a rice, corn, or chickpea-based pasta, but watch the cooking time carefully as these alternatives often cook faster than wheat pasta. You may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly, so keep extra broth on hand to add as needed during cooking.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to restore the creamy texture without breaking the sauce.

For an elegant presentation, serve this Boursin cheese pasta in warmed bowls topped with a light grating of fresh Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a twist of black pepper. For a complete meal, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

This dish also makes excellent lunch leftovers. Pack in a microwave-safe container and reheat at 50% power, stirring halfway through, to maintain the creamy texture. For a refreshing summer option, this pasta can even be served at room temperature as a sophisticated pasta salad for picnics or potlucks.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of Boursin cheese?
Absolutely! While Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin is traditional for this One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli, other varieties like Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper work beautifully. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your finished dish.

What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, substitute with 5 oz cream cheese mixed with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried herbs (thyme, parsley, chives) and 1 clove of minced garlic. This creates a similar creamy, herb-infused base for your sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the sauce is perfectly creamy. If needed, you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm, adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute Boursin with dairy-free cream cheese mixed with herbs, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Why is my sauce too thin/thick?
Sauce consistency depends on pasta type and exact heat level. If too thin, simmer an extra minute after adding cheese. If too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare with maximum flavor. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, proving that exceptional food doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgent meal, this pasta delivers on all fronts. With just one pot and a handful of quality ingredients, you’ve created a restaurant-worthy dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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