By Robby Lozano; Featuring Food Stylist Marianne Williams and Prop Stylist Tucker Vines
In our bustling household, filled with two working parents, an inquisitive toddler, and a lively hound dog, weeknights are often a whirlwind of activity. While the expectant member of our family (yes, that’s me) has occasionally indulged in drive-thru dinners to satisfy her pregnancy cravings, we strive to prepare home-cooked meals for our son every night. Typically, our dinners consist of a sheet pan of roasted veggies in the oven and a protein searing in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. On busier days, we turn to convenient options like Fresh Market’s Little Big Meals or the offerings from the Publix deli counter. So, when we decide to follow a written recipe instead of our usual improvisation, it must meet a few criteria: quick, simple, and, ideally, appealing to our toddler. That’s why I shared the link to this 4-Ingredient Boursin Pasta recipe with my husband.
Why We Enjoyed This Recipe
We are no strangers to the wonders of Boursin cheese in our household. It’s the special ingredient in my husband’s grandmother’s famous scalloped potatoes, a staple during holiday gatherings. I often include a “hockey puck” of Boursin on a cheese board when hosting guests. Despite Boursin’s higher price tag (our readers recommend the Costco three-pack for the best value), this recipe’s grocery list is short, making it a win in our book. I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful the dish turned out with just a few ingredients, thanks to the rich garlic-and-herb profile of Boursin. The pasta is creamy without being too saucy, and to my delight, our toddler eagerly devoured it without creating a mess. Another win for Mom and Dad.
How to Prepare Boursin Pasta
Watching my friend and senior editor Ivy Odom effortlessly whip up recipes on video sometimes makes me think, “I can do that too.” This recipe was one of those instances. Take it from someone who isn’t as skilled as Ivy: you can definitely make this dish, and it truly is that easy.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that there’s no chopping required. While boiling rigatoni on the stove, combine whole cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a casserole dish. Add two pieces of Boursin garlic-and-herb blend in the center and bake until melted, and the tomatoes are cooked down and slightly charred. Stir in the cooked rigatoni, some pasta water for thickness, and Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness, and you’re all set.
Additional Tips and Suggestions
To amp up the protein content in this vegetarian-friendly dish for my growing family (technically, two growing children),
For the best cheesy pasta dish, use any pasta shape you have on hand, but we recommend rigatoni so the sauce can coat the noodle inside and out perfectly. This simple and delicious recipe was a hit in our Test Kitchen and will definitely be a regular in our meal rotation. If you’re looking for more ways to use Boursin cheese, check out the comments on our Instagram post for some mouthwatering ideas from our readers.