This creamy Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli is a quick and tasty meal! The rich flavors of the cheese mix perfectly with tender pasta and bright green broccoli.
Making this dish is super easy! Just cook the pasta, add the broccoli, and stir in the cheese. It’s a fun and yummy way to enjoy dinner in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using orecchiette for its nice shape, which holds sauce well. Shells or penne work great too! If you’re gluten-free, try using chickpea or quinoa pasta which have a similar texture.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen if you’re short on time. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the pasta.
Boursin Cheese: The Herb & Garlic flavor is a winner! If you can’t find it, any soft cheese with herbs, like an herb cream cheese, could work. You can make your own by adding garlic and herbs to plain cream cheese.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich sauce, but feel free to use 2% or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if needed. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional but adds a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, skip or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta and Broccoli are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the pasta and broccoli cooked just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling salted water for your pasta. It helps flavor the noodles.
- When you add pasta, check the package for cooking time. Set a timer about 3-4 minutes before it’s done.
- Add broccoli right into the boiling water. This quick blanching makes it vibrant and tender without ruining its crunch.
- After draining, save a cup of pasta water! It can help adjust the sauce later, so don’t toss it.
Following these tips really helps ensure everything is delicious and just cooked! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Boursin Cheese Pasta With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Broccoli:
- 12 oz pasta (such as orecchiette, shells, or penne)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin Herb & Garlic cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
For Cooking and Flavor:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish and mild heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner and fancy enough for a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Adding the Broccoli:
About 3 minutes before the pasta is done cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. This will blanch them, making them bright green and just tender. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli together, but save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later!
3. Creating the Sauce:
In the same pot or a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
4. Mixing in the Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low and add in the Boursin cheese and milk. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combining Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and broccoli back into the sauce. Toss everything together until each piece is coated with the creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Seasoning & Serving:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you’d like.
Enjoy this creamy, herby pasta with fresh broccoli that balances flavor and comfort in every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—some veggies may need less time than broccoli.
What If I Can’t Find Boursin Cheese?
No worries! If you can’t find Boursin, you can use any herb-infused cream cheese or a mixture of regular cream cheese with added garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice for that fresh flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to maintain texture. If you make it in advance, store the sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat and combine before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
