This Boursin Cheese Rigatoni is a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor. The soft and rich Boursin cheese melts beautifully, coating each piece of rigatoni.
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up! Just cook the pasta, stir in the cheese, and voilà! Dinner is ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni: This pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce. However, if you don’t have rigatoni, you can substitute penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Each of them will work well in this dish!
Boursin Cheese: The garlic and herb flavor is what makes this dish special. If you can’t find Boursin, you can use cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs or a similar flavored soft cheese for a close match.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream gives a rich texture, you can use half-and-half for a lighter option or opt for whole milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the sauce may turn out a little thinner with milk.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for flavor. If you don’t have any, pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is a perfect option for a dairy-free version as well!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
Creating that silky, creamy sauce is key to this recipe. Here’s how you can nail it:
- First, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
- Next, slowly whisk in heavy cream. This helps prevent curdling and ensures a smooth base.
- Then, add in Boursin cheese and stir until melted. If it feels too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired creaminess.
- Finally, toss the cooked rigatoni in the sauce thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated.
With these steps, you’ll have a creamy, delicious sauce that clings beautifully to your pasta!
How to Make Boursin Cheese Rigatoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish/spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Boursin Cheese Rigatoni recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta, while the rest of the time is for mixing the creamy sauce and combining everything together. It’s quick and perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This water can help thicken your sauce later if needed!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn—it should smell amazing!
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat slightly and pour the heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the skillet, stirring to mix it with the buttery garlic. Then, add the whole package of Boursin cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts and you have a smooth, creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, you can gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Next, add the cooked rigatoni directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Toss the pasta gently to make sure every piece is well-coated with the delicious mixture.
5. Finish with Cheese and Herbs:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley into the rigatoni. Taste your dish and feel free to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like!
6. Optional Broil for a Crispy Top:
If you want to add a little extra texture, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top, then place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Boursin Cheese Rigatoni warm, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can substitute it with penne, ziti, or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type!
What Can I Use Instead of Boursin Cheese?
If Boursin cheese isn’t available, you can use cream cheese mixed with garlic powder, dried herbs, and a bit of cream or milk for creaminess. Soft goat cheese can also be a great alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
