Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of Boursin cheese, roasted tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a luscious, creamy sauce that envelops each piece of pasta. The roasting of the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, adding a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the rich, herbed cheese. Plus, it’s quick to make, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or extra protein for a more filling meal!

Ingredients

(2) 5.2 ounce packages Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Herb)
(2) pints cherry or grape tomatoes
3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 to 16 ounces pasta* (penne, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice)
½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
¼ cup fresh basil (about 6 leaves)
1 cup fresh baby spinach, optional (chopped)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cherry or grape tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Roast the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they begin to burst and caramelize.
Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combine the Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in the Boursin cheese. Add the reserved pasta water, stirring to create a creamy sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, feel free to add a little more pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Roasted Tomatoes and Pasta: Once the tomatoes are done roasting, gently stir them into the sauce along with the cooked pasta. If you’re using spinach, stir it in at this stage as well.
Bake the Pasta: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes (for pasta and roasting tomatoes)
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make the dish more hearty.
Vegetarian Option: If you’d prefer a vegetarian version, skip the protein and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, add a bit of cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

While Boursin cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other soft, herbed cheeses like garlic herb cream cheese or a spreadable goat cheese.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions to the dish, either mixed in with the pasta or roasted alongside the tomatoes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Simply assemble everything, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze this baked pasta?

You can freeze the baked pasta, but the texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

What type of pasta should I use?

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta works well for this dish. The larger shapes will hold the creamy sauce better.

Can I make this dish without the spinach?

Yes, the spinach is optional. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to skip it, or use other greens like kale or arugula.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is ideal for this dish, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with dried basil. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of the fresh leaves.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the pasta before serving.

Can I serve this dish with a side?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Boursin Cheese Baked Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and flavorful. With its rich, herbed Boursin cheese sauce and roasted tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love!