Craving a satisfying, flavorful, easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup? One Pot Creamy Boursin Tomato Pasta with Chicken is an easy choice. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, this dish is elevated by the creamy richness of Boursin cheese. Plus, it's all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
You saw it too, right? The Boursin Tiktok pasta recipe that blew up a few years ago? I loved the idea of a Boursin cheese pasta recipe but I wanted more protein and extra veggies. While I was at it, I wanted to eliminate the baking dish and get it all done in one pan on the stovetop because busy weeknights need to be as easy as possible. Creamy Boursin cheese is a delicious spreadable soft cheese and I use it for appetizers all the time but I had no idea how dreamy it would make a pan of pasta! It creates a silky smooth creamy sauce in seconds when it melts in the pan. I like the shallot chive version best but the basil & chive or garlic & fine herbs variety would also be fantastic in this easy pasta recipe.
If you need more weeknight dinner inspiration, check out a few more of my recipes. Pull out the slow cooker for Italian Beef. Try my easy sheet pan balsamic chicken thighs with roasted vegetables. Or keep everything in one pan with my unstuffed cabbage roll skillet or one pan lemon garlic shrimp & rice.
Why You'll Love This Pasta Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Creamy and Flavorful: Boursin cheese adds a luxurious texture and a savory blend of shallot and chive.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just about 30 minutes.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients for Boursin Pasta
- Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape. Short pasta, instead of long pasta like spaghetti or linguini works best.
- Chicken: Cut chicken breast or boneless thighs into bite-size chunks.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Campari, cherry, or grape tomatoes all work beautifully in this dish. Interested in a breakdown of most of the tomatoes you can find in your grocery store? Check out this article.
- Chicken stock: You can also use vegetable stock.
- Boursin cheese: Take your pick of the flavors they offer. I prefer shallot and chive.
- Onions: red onion, white onion or shallots are all good options.
- Baby Spinach: Get your greens in!
See the recipe card below for the full recipe and quantities.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or deep skillet with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions for Creamy Boursin Tomato Pasta
- Step 1: Par-Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 4 -5 minutes until the chicken is browned but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Liquid: Toss in the cherry tomatoes, white wine, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta: Add the par-cooked chicken, spinach, and penne pasta directly into the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Boursin: Stir in the Boursin cheese. Cover and allow it to melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cover and stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add additional stock if necessary to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Hint: Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the liquid too vigorously to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
Top Tip
Let the Cheese Melt Slowly: Add the Boursin cheese at a low temperature to allow it to melt smoothly into a creamy sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Protein Twist: Swap the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation. You could also use ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Different Greens: Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.
- Spicy Upgrade: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Alternative Cheese: Substitute Boursin with goat cheese or cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs.
- Fresh Herbs: Add some fresh basil with the spinach.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach enhance the flavor and color.
- Boursin Varieties: If Shallot & Chive isn't available, Garlic & Fine Herbs is a great alternative.
- Wine Substitute: Swap the white wine with more chicken stock if you prefer an alcohol-free option.
- Al dente Pasta: Don't overcook or you'll have mushy noodles. It should still have a little bite to it when it's finished.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Gluten-free noodles don't do as well in this one-pan dish. They turn to mush. For gluten-free noodles, I recommend using two pans. Cook the pasta as per package directions then add the cooked pasta to the pasta sauce and serve immediately.
Storage and Reheating Creamy Boursin Tomato Pasta
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended.
FAQ
Yes, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta's package instructions.
For a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative seasoned with herbs to mimic the flavor of Boursin.
You can substitute white wine with an equal amount of chicken stock or vegetable broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add more chicken stock if it's getting too dry.
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Recipe
One Pot Creamy Boursin Tomato Pasta with Chicken
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet with lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta or favorite short pasta shape
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 medium onion diced (I prefer red onion in this dish but if I don't have them on hand any onion works)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced or pressed
- 1 pint fresh tomatoes quartered Campari or halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup white wine or additional chicken stock
- 3 to 4 cups chicken stock Adjust liquid as necessary to create desired sauce consistency
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 5.2 ounces Shallot & Chive Boursin cheese
- Parmesan cheese for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Step 1: Par-Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 4 -5 minutes until the chicken is browned but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Liquid: Toss in the cherry tomatoes, white wine, and 3 cups of chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta: Cook the Pasta: Add the par-cooked chicken, spinach, and penne pasta directly into the pot. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach and Boursin: Stir in the Boursin cheese. Cover and allow it to melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the cover and stir well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add additional stock if necessary to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add the Boursin cheese at a low temperature to allow it to melt smoothly into a creamy sauce.
- Wine Substitute: Swap the white wine with more chicken stock if you prefer an alcohol-free option.
- Al dente Pasta: Don't overcook or you'll have mushy noodles. It should still have a little bite to it when it's finished.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Gluten-free noodles don't do as well in this one-pan dish. They turn to mush. For gluten-free noodles, I recommend using two pans. Cook the pasta as per package directions then add the cooked pasta to the pasta sauce and serve immediately.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Protein Twist: Swap the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation. You could also use ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Different Greens: Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor and texture.
- Spicy Upgrade: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Alternative Cheese: Substitute Boursin with goat cheese or cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs.
- Fresh Herbs: Add some fresh basil with the spinach.
Storage
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended.
Anonymous says
Love
Mary says
Melts in your mouth!
Anonymous says
So creamy and flavorful!
Jen says
I love a one-pot meal that is practical and can actually be made in one pot!
Anonymous says
Delicious!
Anonymous says
Love these one pot recipes!
Anonymous says
Delicious
Anonymous says
YUMMMM