Get ready to see how a few ingredients can make a meal that wows. Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta uses Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs for a creamy sauce. It’s rich in garlic but doesn’t use heavy cream.
The idea started with the viral baked tomato-feta pasta trend on TikTok and Instagram. Instead of feta, we roast cherry tomatoes and aromatics with Boursin. When the tomatoes burst, we mix in cooked pasta and Parmesan. Then, we add reserved pasta water for a glossy sauce.
This recipe is easy to make, with minimal prep and short cooking time. It’s also great for families because of its tasty flavors. You can make it gluten-free or use dairy-free Boursin from Trader Joe’s. Try goat cheese or herbed feta for different tastes. Tubular pasta shapes like penne or ziti keep the sauce on every bite.
It takes about 30–40 minutes to make. Leftovers last 2–4 days in the fridge. Reheat them gently with a bit of water or olive oil. Soon, you’ll have a go-to one pot pasta recipe recipe that’s quick and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic pasta is a hit because it uses simple ingredients. It’s a quick and comforting meal. The recipe is easy to follow, making cleanup a breeze.

The ingredients are straightforward: Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs, cherry tomatoes, pasta, olive oil, red onion or shallot, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes. These create a delicious sauce for short pasta shapes.
Ingredients
You can adjust the recipe for any number of people. Use 8 oz pasta for two or 1 lb for a family. Choose short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for the sauce to cling to.
For different tastes, try Banza rotini or gluten-free pasta. If Boursin is hard to find, use herbed feta, goat cheese, or cream cheese instead. Adding baby spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or grilled chicken makes the dish more filling.
You’ll need a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish, a pot, a spoon, and a grater for Parmesan. These tools help you make a glossy sauce with pasta water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, preheat the oven to 350–400°F. Choose a baking dish at least 9×9 inches. Then, place Boursin in the dish’s center, surround it with tomatoes and onion or shallot, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
Roast until tomatoes soften and burst, about 30 minutes at 400°F or 35 minutes at 350°F. While the tomatoes roast, boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Mash the roasted tomatoes into the cheese to form a sauce. Add drained pasta and grated Parmesan, and add reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time to emulsify. Fold in spinach if using, taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.
Tips & Variations
Save pasta water, use short pasta shapes, and roast at a higher temperature for a deeper tomato flavor. For different flavors, try Boursin Black Truffle or Shallot & Chive, or swap in herbed feta for a tangy finish. Cook vegetables and proteins in the same pan or add cooked protein when mixing for minimal prep.
If the sauce seems grainy, stir in hot pasta water until smooth. To reheat leftovers, loosen the sauce with olive oil, broth, or water. Use gluten-free pasta or a dairy-free Boursin for dietary options. These adjustments make the recipe flexible for many kitchens.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic pasta is perfect for any night. For a light meal, pair it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. For a heartier option, add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or garlicky shrimp.
Roasted or sautéed veggies are great with the pasta. Try garlic spinach, Swiss chard, or roasted cherry tomatoes and zucchini. Add Parmesan and basil for extra flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta like red lentil penne. Check the Boursin label for gluten-free options. Is there a dairy-free option? Yes, try dairy-free herbed spreads from Trader Joe’s and other brands.
How long do leftovers last? Store in an airtight container for 2–4 days. Reheat with a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy Boursin base?
What pasta shape works best so the sauce clings well?
How much Boursin and tomatoes should I use for 2–4 servings?
How long does this take from start to finish?
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
How do I thin or fix a sauce that’s too thick or grainy?
How long will leftovers keep and how should I reheat them?
Can I swap Boursin for other cheeses or add proteins and vegetables?
What oven temperature should I use for roasting?
Any tips for presentation and serving?
What should a printable recipe card include for this dish?

Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
- 1 box Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs 5.2 oz
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion or 1 shallot sliced
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta penne, fusilli, ziti, rigatoni, or any short shape
- ¼ –½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: 1–2 cups baby spinach or kale
- Optional Add-Ins
- Zucchini mushrooms, or cooked chicken
- Swap Boursin with herbed feta goat cheese, or cream cheese
- Gluten-free or chickpea pasta alternative
- Dairy-free Boursin Trader Joe’s
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (for faster roasting) or 350°F (for gentler roasting).
- Assemble Baking Dish
- Place the Boursin cheese block in the center of a 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and sliced onion/shallot.
- Season
- Drizzle everything with olive oil. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper.
- Roast
- Roast for 30 minutes at 400°F or 35 minutes at 350°F until tomatoes soften and burst.
- Cook Pasta
- While roasting, boil salted water. Cook pasta to al dente.
- IMPORTANT: Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce
- Remove dish from oven. Mash the tomatoes into the melted Boursin to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine
- Add cooked pasta and grated Parmesan. Pour in pasta water little by little (¼ cup at a time) until glossy and smooth.
- Add Greens (Optional)
- Fold in spinach or kale until wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes. Finish with more Parmesan and fresh herbs.
