Boursin Pasta Bake
Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking
Creamy, cheesy goodness that fills the house with an irresistible aroma. This Boursin Pasta Bake comes together in a snap, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. It has a beautiful golden top that gets nice and bubbly in the oven, while the pasta below is coated in that herby richness. Honestly, my kids didn’t leave a single bite on their plates, and I can’t blame them. The best part is that it’s pretty simple to whip together, so feel free to experiment like I did!
Last week, I spotted a container of Boursin cheese hiding in the fridge, and it sparked an idea for dinner. I threw together this pasta bake with just a few staples, and it turned out to be a winner. I didn’t even stick to a strict recipe, which is kind of my style. You know, sometimes it’s overthinking it that leads to the best meals.
After assembling everything, I slid it into the oven, and the smell was just incredible. I couldn't get my kids to wait until it cooled down properly; they were hovering like they were waiting for the dessert! To be honest, I think it would be great with a handful of spinach tossed in next time for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Why This Works So Well
- Crispy on top and creamy inside
- It’s a one-pan wonder, making clean-up easy
- Quick and satisfying, what more could you want?
What to Know Before Making Boursin Pasta Bake
This Boursin Pasta Bake is pretty straightforward, but a few things can make your experience smoother. First, make sure your oven is preheating while you prepare the pasta. It saves you time later on and ensures the dish cooks evenly. I like to set a timer for that first 8 minutes—a reminder not to let the pasta overcook. It's supposed to be al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Also, since the Boursin cheese has a lovely herby flavor, consider trying the different varieties they offer. I’ve used the garlic and herb one, but their other options work great here too. If you're in a pinch, cream cheese mixed with some herbs can work if you can't find Boursin.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make this comforting pasta bake.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize with other vegetables or proteins if you wish!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious pasta bake.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 8 minutes, until it's just al dente. Don’t worry; it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the Boursin cheese, diced tomatoes, peas, olive oil, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated; no one likes a dry bite!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. I usually use my hands for this step; it just feels more personal, right? Don’t worry about being perfect.
Bake
Pop the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so no one burns their mouth!
Pro Tips
- Try adding cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- If you don’t have Boursin, any cream cheese with herbs works fine.
- This dish is great for leftovers; it reheats well.
How to Store Boursin Pasta Bake
If you find yourself with leftovers—though I often don’t—it’s best to let the pasta bake cool down a bit before covering it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I like to warm it in the oven at 350°F (about 175°C) for around 15 minutes. It helps keep that crispy top intact, which is just the best part.
Ways to Switch It Up
There are so many ways to mix things up with this dish. If you want to add some protein, cooked chicken or turkey works wonders. Just toss it in when you mix the pasta with the other ingredients. Honestly, I've even tossed in some leftover roasted veggies for extra nutrition. Just about anything goes with pasta, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe.
Another fun twist is to add some different cheeses to that mozzarella topping. A sprinkle of feta or parmesan adds a nice sharpness. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick! My kids might not be into spice too much but I’ve found that they actually love it when I add bits of cooked sausage for added flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any shape you have on hand will work. I’ve used rotini in the past, and it was just as good.
→ What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
You can use cream cheese mixed with some herbs. Honestly, I skip the herbed cheese half the time and it still tastes great.
→ Is it ok to add other veggies?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli would be a tasty addition. Just make sure they’re somewhat cooked beforehand.
→ How long does this keep in the fridge?
It should be fine for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it slowly, so it doesn’t dry out.
Boursin Pasta Bake
Created by: The Meals By Sophia Team
Recipe Type: Classic Comfort Cooking
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne for about 8 minutes, until it's just al dente. Don’t worry; it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the Boursin cheese, diced tomatoes, peas, olive oil, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated; no one likes a dry bite!
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. I usually use my hands for this step; it just feels more personal, right? Don’t worry about being perfect.
Pop the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Extra Tips
- Try adding cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- If you don’t have Boursin, any cream cheese with herbs works fine.
- This dish is great for leftovers; it reheats well.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 495
- Total Fat (g): 20.5
- Saturated Fat (g): 10.2
- Cholesterol (mg): 44
- Sodium (mg): 711
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 63.2
- Dietary Fiber (g): 4.5
- Sugars (g): 3.5
- Protein (g): 19.6