This creamy rigatoni with Boursin cheese is a luxurious pasta dish that promises to deliver both comfort and sophistication to your dining table. The dish is centered around the rich and creamy texture of Boursin cheese, which melts beautifully into the rigatoni, creating a sauce that’s full of herby and garlicky flavors.

Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, it’s a recipe that’s both easy to prepare and impressively delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a taste of gourmet into your kitchen without any fuss.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Rigatoni Pasta: 16 oz (about 450g), uncooked
Boursin Cheese: 5.2 oz (about 150g), Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)

Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), freshly grated
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml), optional for thinning the sauce
Salt: to taste
Black Pepper: freshly ground, to taste

Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish

Instructions for Making Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese

Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Melt the Boursin Cheese: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Transfer the creamy rigatoni to serving dishes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, allowing each person to experience the meltingly tender pasta coated in a velvety, flavor-packed sauce. Enjoy your meal!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Opt for Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means the quality of each ingredient shines through. Choose a high-quality Boursin cheese for its distinct flavor and creaminess. Similarly, a good quality pasta and fresh Parmesan can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.

Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Rigatoni should be cooked just until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become too soft when mixed with the sauce. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the warm sauce.

Adjust Sauce Consistency: The desired consistency of the sauce can vary. If you prefer a thinner sauce, reserve some pasta water before draining and add it as needed when combining the pasta with the Boursin cheese mixture. The starchy pasta water helps in creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings to the noodles.

Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary. While Boursin cheese is flavorful, the addition of salt and freshly ground black pepper can elevate the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavors of the pasta. While parsley is a classic choice, consider using basil or chives for a different twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Pair with Proteins: For a more substantial meal, consider serving this creamy rigatoni alongside grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables. The simplicity of the pasta allows it to complement a wide range of sides.

Wine Pairing: A glass of wine can elevate this dish into a fine dining experience. Opt for a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which can cut through the richness of the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cheese and herbs.

Balance with a Side Salad: A crisp, green salad dressed with a vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. It’s a simple way to add balance to your meal and incorporate some greens.

Storage Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers: Creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon cooling.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until evenly heated. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Freezing Is Not Recommended: Due to the creamy nature of the sauce, freezing this dish is not advisable. The texture of the sauce can change significantly, becoming grainy or separated when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, while rigatoni is ideal for holding onto creamy sauces due to its ridges and large holes, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can also work well with this recipe.

Is there a substitute for Boursin cheese?: If Boursin is not available, you can create a similar flavor profile by mixing cream cheese with herbs and garlic. However, the unique taste and texture of Boursin are part of what makes this dish special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free rigatoni or penne to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if necessary.

How can I make this dish healthier?: For a lighter version, you can use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Additionally, incorporating steamed vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach can add nutrients and fiber.

What if the sauce is too thick?: If your sauce thickens too much, gradually add in reserved pasta water or a little more cream until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water is particularly effective in achieving a smooth, silky sauce.

Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese

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This creamy rigatoni with Boursin cheese is a luxurious pasta dish that promises to deliver both comfort and sophistication to your dining table.

Ingredients

Rigatoni Pasta: 16 oz about 450g, uncooked
Boursin Cheese: 5.2 oz about 150g, Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor
Heavy Cream: 1 cup 240ml

Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup 50g, freshly grated
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons 30g
Garlic: 2 cloves minced
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup 120ml, optional for thinning the sauce
Salt: to taste
Black Pepper: freshly ground to taste
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Melt the Boursin Cheese: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Transfer the creamy rigatoni to serving dishes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, allowing each person to experience the meltingly tender pasta coated in a velvety, flavor-packed sauce. Enjoy your meal!