Boursin Cheese Pasta
by Sommer Collier — on May 5, 2025 
This simple “mac and cheese”-style Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe requires only three ingredients and one pot to make the most decadent and luxurious cheesy pasta dish. Ready to serve in just 15 minutes!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
I mean, who doesn’t love herby, creamy and decadent Boursin cheese? No one in the house! This aromatic cheese is great for charcuterie boards and snack trays, and it’s a fabulous quickie ingredient to elevate creamy sauces and pasta dishes!
While we’re big fans, of course, of our classic baked Homemade Mac and Cheese. But this fast and fuss-free one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a winning dish in a snap.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Only 3 Ingredients – Seriously, all you need is pasta + some of the reserved pasta water, creamy Boursin cheese, and fresh lemon zest to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
- 15 Minute Dinner – Boil some water, add the cheese and some lemon, and boom – done!
- Jazz it Up – While the original recipe calls for just 3 ingredients, this is a great dish for including all kinds of add-ins, like proteins, veggies, herbs, and more!
No doubt you came to this post looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe, so let’s get to it!
Ingredients and Tips
- Pasta – We use cavatappi pasta here, because I love the way the curls hold the cheese sauce and have a nice bite. Make this boursin pasta recipe with whatever noodles you want, like elbow macaroni, small pasta shells, rotini, bow tie pasta, rigatoni or penne.
- Boursin Cheese – You can use any variety you like. Here we’re using classic garlic and fine herbs, but basil and chive or shallot and chive are also great options!
- Lemon Zest – Fresh lemon zest has the perfect tanginess to enhance the rich flavor of the cheese.
Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
- Gluten-free – Simply use your fave GF-friendly pasta noodles!
- Protein – Add cooked and cubed pieces of chicken breast, cooked shrimp, or Italian sausage to this Boursin cheese pasta recipe for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
- Veggies – For extra oomph of flavor and nutrients, consider stirring in steamed broccoli florets or asparagus, peas, green onion, sautéed mushrooms, roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, or fresh raw spinach right before taking the finished pasta dish off the heat.
- Spicy – Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the pasta for a kick of heat. Or add a little black pepper for light spice.
- Extras – Get creative and add any of your favorite extra goodies to elevate the recipe! Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, shredded or shaved parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or herbs like fresh basil or parsley.
How to Make Pasta with Boursin Cheese Sauce
Tip for Success – Right before draining the pasta, ladle out 1 cup of pasta water and set aside for the sauce. This will make the sauce ultra creamy and help it hold onto the noodles.
Find the full Boursin Cheese Pasta recipe with detailed instructions, storage tips, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store cooled leftover pasta in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing – I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish. It will lose its creamy texture and delicate taste if frozen, thawed, and reheated.
- Reheating – Reheat leftovers in the microwave in short, 30-second bursts at 50% power. Stir between bursts. If the sauce has tightened a bit too much you can add a small splash of water while microwaving and toss.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheesy, garlicky, and irresistibly creamy Boursin pasta with hunks of warm and buttery garlic bread (ready in less than 20 minutes!) or these super easy 1-hour garlic knots.
It’s also perfect to pair with a simple fresh green salad that’s quick to throw together with whatever veggies you have on hand. I love to keep a jar of homemade Caesar salad dressing in the fridge, then you just need chopped romaine and parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a soft creamy cheese that’s sort of a cross between cream cheese and tangy Chevre goat cheese, although it is made with cow’s milk. These round, soft wheels of cheese are packed with various herbs and spices. The most classic variety is the “garlic and fine herbs” that we’re using today. However, you could use any of the Boursin cheese varieties in this pasta dish.
Yes, but unlike most other cheeses that become gooey when heated, Boursin melts into a more smooth sauce.
They are similar, but no, they are not the same. Traditional cream cheese is plain, with a tangy flavor and smooth buttery consistency. Boursin, on the other hand, is seasoned with herbs and aromatics, and has a more crumbly texture that’s more like goat cheese.
Similar Recipes You Might Like
Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta any shape or size
- 10.6 ounces Boursin cheese garlic & fine herbs (2 boxes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Set a large pot of water on the stove top over high heat. Add a hefty tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, drop the pasta in the water and cook according to the package instructions.
- Right before draining the pasta, ladle out 1 cup of pasta water and set aside for the sauce.
- Drain the pasta. Pour the pasta back into the pot, over low heat.
- Add the Boursin cheese and lemon zest to the pot. Gently stir until the cheese melts over the pasta. Add ½ cup of pasta water and continue to stir until the cheese and pasta water create a silky sauce over the pasta. *You can add additional pasta water if desired to create that consistency you prefer. Serve warm.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing – I don’t recommend freezing this pasta dish. It will lose it’s creaminess and delicate flavor if frozen, thawed and reheated.
- Reheating – Reheat leftovers in the microwave in short, 30-second bursts at 50% power. Stir between bursts. If the sauce has tightened a bit too much you can add a small splash of water while microwaving.
I love how fast and simple this is. The boursin melts perfectly and makes the creamiest sauce without needing anything fancy!
Made this on a whim and WOW it was better than any pasta I’ve had at a restaurant. Creamy, garlicky, and so easy!