This creamy Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli is a dream come true for cheese lovers! The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, making your taste buds dance with joy.
Add in some tender broccoli for a pop of color and extra goodness. I often find myself dreaming about this dish—it’s that good! Perfect for a quick meal on busy nights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is a great choice because it holds onto the creamy sauce well. However, you can easily swap it for other types like penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just shake things up with what you have on hand!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds great color and crunch, but frozen broccoli works just as well. It’s super convenient and cooks faster too. If you’re not a fan, you could also use other veggies like spinach or peas.
Boursin Cheese: This herb-flavored cheese brings a lot of flavor to the dish. If you can’t find it, cream cheese mixed with a bit of garlic and chopped herbs can be a tasty substitute. You’ll miss that precise taste but still get a creamy finish!
Milk: Whole milk gives a richer texture, but two percent works fine too. If you want to cut calories or use what’s in your fridge, almond milk or oat milk could also replace it nicely without losing creaminess.
How Do You Create a Creamy Pasta Sauce Without Curdling?
Getting that perfect creamy sauce requires a gentle touch. Here are the steps to avoid any curdling:
- Always use low to medium heat when melting cheese. High heat can cause the fats to separate.
- Adding milk gradually will help the sauce blend nicely with the cheese and keep it smooth.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. It’s full of starch and helps create a silky sauce without lumps.
Remember, stirring continuously is key. It ensures everything combines well, and you won’t end up with any clumps. Enjoy your creamy dish!
Boursin Cheese Pasta With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish can be made in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pasta and broccoli, and then another 10 minutes to mix everything together into a creamy delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add in the broccoli florets. This will blanch the broccoli and make it tender without losing its lovely green color.
2. Draining the Pasta and Broccoli:
Once everything is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (this will help thicken your sauce later), and then drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Shake off any excess water.
3. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, return the empty pot to medium-low heat. Toss in the butter and let it melt slowly. Once the butter is melted, add the Boursin cheese and milk to the pot. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture comes together into a creamy sauce.
4. Seasoning the Sauce:
Add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all in so the flavors blend together really well.
5. Combining the Pasta and Sauce:
Now, return the cooked pasta and broccoli back to the pot. Toss everything together gently so that the pasta and broccoli are fully coated in that rich Boursin sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, add in some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you get the desired creamy consistency.
6. Serving Your Dish:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve! Dish the pasta up onto plates or into bowls. If you like a little spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick. Enjoy your plate of creamy Boursin cheese pasta with broccoli!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli adds great texture and flavor, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables like peas, spinach, or asparagus. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pasta alternative. Many brands offer gluten-free rotini or other shapes that will work perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have Boursin Cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs like chives or parsley. It won’t be exactly the same but will still yield a creamy and flavorful sauce!
