Creamy Garlic Boursin Chicken Pasta Bake

Introduction

Imagine pulling a bubbling dish of creamy, cheesy goodness out of your oven. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and rich cream fills the room—and with just one bite, you’re in comfort food heaven. That’s exactly what you get with Creamy Garlic Boursin Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish never disappoints.

So what makes this pasta bake so irresistible? It’s all about the magic of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. That soft, spreadable cheese with herbs packed in brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen—no extra effort needed!

Ingredients Overview

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this masterpiece.

Chicken Breasts: Lean Protein at its Best

Cooked and shredded chicken is tender, flavorful, and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re in a pinch!

Boursin Cheese: The Star of the Show

This cheese is loaded with garlic and fine herbs, melting perfectly into a smooth, luscious sauce. It’s bold, creamy, and adds a gourmet touch effortlessly.

Penne Pasta: Perfect Shape for Saucy Bakes

Penne’s ridges and tube shape trap the sauce in every bite, making it the ideal pasta for baked dishes like this one.

Herbs, Garlic, and Onion: Layers of Flavor

Minced garlic, diced onions, and dried thyme build a deep flavor base. You don’t want to skip these—they’re the backbone of the dish.

Cream, Broth, and Cheese: Rich and Creamy Base

Heavy cream adds silkiness. Chicken broth brings savory depth. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses top it off with that perfect golden crust.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Time to roll up those sleeves and get cooking!

Step 1: Prepping the Chicken

Cook and shred two large chicken breasts. Season lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Boiling the Pasta

Cook 12 oz of penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente—about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add your diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Then toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 4: Melting Boursin and Building the Sauce

Add in 1 cup of chicken broth and the 5.2 oz package of Boursin cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Combining Everything Together

Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Mix well to coat every piece with that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Baking it to Golden Perfection

Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Pasta Bake

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Pasta continues cooking in the oven, so undercook it slightly for the perfect bite.

Shred, Don’t Dice the Chicken

Shredded chicken absorbs more sauce and blends better into the pasta.

Use Fresh Garlic and Herbs

Fresh always tastes better. If you have fresh thyme or parsley, definitely use it for extra flavor!

Variations You Can Try

Veggie-Packed Version

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Spicy Kick with Red Pepper Flakes

Want some heat? Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Swap Penne with Other Pasta

Rotini, rigatoni, or even macaroni will work just fine in this recipe.

What to Serve With This Pasta Bake

Side Salads

A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances out the richness.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with buttery garlic bread.

A Glass of White Wine

Pair it with a chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in portions for easy lunches or dinners.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out

Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist. Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~620 per serving

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 32g

• Carbs: 45g
  (Approximate, may vary based on ingredient brands)

Why Everyone Loves This Dish

Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters love it. The cheese sauce is mild and comforting.

Budget-Friendly

Uses simple ingredients that deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.

Crowd-Pleaser

Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Final Thoughts: Comfort in Every Bite

If you’re searching for a cozy, creamy, soul-warming dish, this Creamy Garlic Boursin Chicken Pasta Bake is a must-try. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish—simple enough for a weekday, delicious enough for company. So next time you’re craving comfort food with a little gourmet flair, this recipe will hit the spot every time.

FAQs

1. Can I use other flavors of Boursin cheese?

Absolutely! Try the Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper varieties for a fun twist.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and cheese labels.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time.

4. How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add roasted veggies or plant-based chicken alternatives.

5. What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?

You can substitute with a mix of cream cheese and garlic herb spread, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

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