If you are seeking a pasta dish that feels like an indulgent hug on a plate yet comes together with minimal fuss, the Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is your new best friend. This delightfully creamy pasta combines the luscious, herb-infused tang of Boursin cheese with the sweet pop of roasted cherry tomatoes and the fresh brightness of basil, resulting in a meal that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. It is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a charming dish to serve guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe. Each component plays an important role in layering flavor, creating texture, and adding that irresistible color contrast that makes this dish so visually inviting.
- Garlic & fine herbs Boursin cheese: This soft cheese is the creamy, flavorful heart of the sauce, melting beautifully to coat every pasta bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and causes them to burst, infusing the dish with bright, juicy freshness.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild bite and gentle sweetness that caramelizes on roasting.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and roasted alongside the tomatoes and onions to add a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting, it brings a rich mouthfeel and helps everything meld together.
- Dried oregano: Sprinkled on with salt and pepper to infuse a subtle Mediterranean aroma.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors.
- Bow tie pasta (farfalle): Its shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce; fusilli or rotini work just as well.
- Fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced for a fresh, herbaceous lift in both flavor and color.
- Optional garnishes: Freshly grated parmesan cheese and extra basil add a final flourish when serving.
How to Make Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 400 °F. In a spacious 9×13-inch casserole dish, place the entire package of garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese right in the center. Surround it generously with those juicy cherry tomatoes, the thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic cloves. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle on dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle toss with your hands to make sure all those veggies are well coated in the savory herb oil. Pop the dish in the oven to roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst open and the onions become beautifully tender.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the vegetables and cheese are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid will be your secret weapon to achieving that perfectly silky sauce consistency when combining everything later.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Once the tomatoes and Boursin are roasted to melty perfection, use a spoon to gently mash the tomatoes right in the casserole dish, releasing all their rich juices. Add the sliced fresh basil and stir to distribute the bright green ribbons throughout the cheesy tomato mixture. Then fold in the cooked pasta, tossing everything gently but thoroughly. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the luscious texture you love — I found ¼ cup was just right.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Transfer the pasta directly to plates or bowls and, if you like, sprinkle extra fresh basil and a dusting of parmesan cheese on top. Serve while warm and creamy for the ultimate Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe experience.
How to Serve Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish quite like a few vibrant garnishes. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and herbs that pop on the palate. A sprinkle of sharp parmesan cheese creates an irresistible salty edge that balances the creamy richness. For a hint of heat, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can turn this meal into a slightly spicy sensation.
Side Dishes
For a meal that truly sings, serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. If you want something a bit heartier, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair wonderfully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the plate? Try serving this pasta in individual oven-safe bowls straight from the baking dish for an elegant single-serve presentation. For a casual gathering, a family-style presentation with the casserole dish in the center invites everyone to dig in and share the love. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top can turn this simple dish into an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as enjoyable if not more, upon reheating.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind the texture of the tomatoes might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the creaminess of the Boursin sauce usually holds up well.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make creamy sauces separate. Stovetop reheating keeps the luscious consistency intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese is central to this recipe’s signature flavor, a soft, herb-infused cheese like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can work in a pinch. The distinct tang and creaminess of Boursin are what make this dish special, so substitutions may alter the taste and texture.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Bow tie pasta is ideal because its ridges and shape catch the sauce beautifully, but fusilli or rotini are excellent substitutes. Just avoid very smooth or thin pastas that can’t support the creamy roasted sauce as well.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat and relies on fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Just be sure to use parmesan cheese labeled vegetarian if you want to keep it fully vegetarian-friendly, as some parmesan contains animal rennet.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To adapt this dish for a vegan diet, you’ll need to replace the Boursin cheese with a plant-based creamy cheese alternative and check that your pasta contains no eggs. The flavor will be different but still delicious if you balance in herbs and roasting.
How can I make the dish less rich?
If the richness of Boursin cheese is too much, try using less cheese or mixing it with a little ricotta to lighten the texture. Adding extra cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten and balance the dish wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and a comforting, flavorful dinner option that doesn’t require hours to prepare. Easy to make yet fancy enough to impress, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving a cozy meal that feels special every time you sit down to eat. Give it a try and let it become one of your favorite weeknight staples too!
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Boursin Cheese Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe
This Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs with the rich, soft texture of Boursin cheese. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and when combined with pasta, fresh basil, and optional parmesan, it creates a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 5.3-ounce package garlic & fine herbs Boursin cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 20 ounces)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste after cooking)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Garnishes
- 8 ounces uncooked bow tie pasta (farfalle) (fusilli or rotini work nicely too)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (optional, but recommended)
- Optional garnish: freshly grated parmesan cheese, more fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). In a 9×13-inch ceramic casserole dish, place the Boursin cheese in the center. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and minced garlic.
- Season Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and Boursin cheese. Season them evenly with dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, gently toss and coat the vegetables and cheese in the oil and seasonings to ensure even coverage.
- Bake Vegetables and Cheese: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the cherry tomatoes start to burst and the red onions soften, the cheese will become creamy and ready to mix.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set both aside.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Remove the baked casserole dish from the oven. Using a spoon, gently stir the softened Boursin cheese and burst cherry tomatoes together, mashing the tomatoes slightly to create a chunky sauce. Add the sliced fresh basil leaves if using and stir to distribute evenly. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed, up to ¼ cup or to desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute fusilli or rotini pasta if bow tie (farfalle) is not available.
- Fresh basil is optional but highly recommended for aroma and flavor.
- Reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and allows it to better coat the pasta.
- Use kosher salt for seasoning during cooking; taste and add more salt after mixing as needed.
- Leftover pasta keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
