This Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Tomato and Chicken is a rich, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic and herb cheese sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The garlic and herb Boursin cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

It’s quick and practical. With only 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes.

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen.

It’s versatile and customizable. You can swap proteins, change the vegetables, or experiment with different pasta shapes while still keeping that creamy, indulgent base.

It’s family-friendly. The creamy texture, mild garlic flavor, and juicy tomatoes make this dish appealing to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli recommended)
1 cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb chicken breasts or chicken tenders, diced
½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved if large
5.3 oz garlic and herb Boursin cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups baby spinach (about a generous handful)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Optional for serving: freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened and juicy.
5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Boursin cheese (cut into quarters for easier melting) and the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and stir. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat in the creamy sauce.
9. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 401 kcal per serving

Variations

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Swap the protein by using shrimp, grilled turkey strips, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.

Change the pasta shape to farfalle, rotini, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Add brightness with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

Boost the heat by increasing the crushed red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of chili powder.

Use a different Boursin flavor to create a new twist on the sauce while keeping the same creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval and adding a small amount of liquid if needed.

Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy cheese sauce may separate and change texture once thawed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid to restore the creamy consistency.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s not recommended. Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing and thawing, affecting texture and flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli are great additions.

How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add small amounts of reserved pasta water while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have Boursin?

You can substitute with cream cheese and add minced garlic and dried herbs to mimic the flavor.

What can I serve with this pasta?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta with Tomato and Chicken is a quick, satisfying dish packed with flavor and texture. The rich garlic and herb cheese sauce, tender chicken, and burst of sweet tomatoes create a balanced and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.

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