If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely need to try Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a velvety, decadent meal that’s bursting with garlicky herb flavor and just the right touch of richness. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, a cozy date night, or just treating yourself to something special, this is a dish that delivers major comfort and restaurant-quality taste with almost zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese so irresistible is how each ingredient brings its own magic to the table. We’re talking about a handful of essentials that come together for maximum flavor and the silkiest texture—no fancy techniques required!
- Rigatoni Pasta: These big, ridged tubes are perfect for catching every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the aromatics.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the sauce with an irresistible savory kick.
- Shallot: Finely chopped shallot brings gentle sweetness and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat, this ingredient takes the sauce up a notch.
- Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): The star of the show—this creamy, herby cheese melts into a luscious sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its dreamy, silky texture.
- Reserved Pasta Water: A splash or two helps achieve that perfect glossy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: Brings out the best in all the other ingredients—taste as you go!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For extra depth, umami, and a beautiful finish.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens up the finished dish with fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook it just to al dente, according to the package instructions. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this will help you achieve a perfectly creamy sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until everything is fragrant and softened. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes now and let them bloom in the oil for a few extra seconds.
Step 3: Make the Boursin Cheese Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and crumble the Boursin cheese into the skillet. Pour in your heavy cream and stir gently as the cheese melts and combines with the cream. You’ll see the sauce transform into a luxuriously creamy mixture that smells absolutely heavenly—this is the heart of Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked rigatoni straight into the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that dreamy sauce. Slowly pour in some reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring as you go, until the sauce is silky and clings beautifully to the rigatoni. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts right into the sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute or two, just until everything is hot and well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan over each plate. The parsley adds a welcome brightness that cuts through the creaminess, while the Parmesan amps up the cheesy factor—both are simple ways to make this dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese shines brightest alongside crisp salads or simply prepared vegetables. Think peppery arugula tossed with lemon, roasted asparagus, or even sautéed mushrooms for a bit of earthiness. If you want a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp are delicious and easy pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your rigatoni in individual bowls or shallow pasta plates with a swirl of sauce on top. Add a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of good olive oil for elegance. If you’re hosting, try presenting the pasta family-style on a big serving platter for a cozy, communal feel—everyone will want seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it’s still absolutely delicious when reheated.
Freezing
While the texture of cream-based sauces can change after freezing, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy again. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or even shells will work beautifully in Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! For a lighter take on Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make tasty veggie add-ins. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage pair nicely and make the dish even more satisfying.
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
If Boursin cheese isn’t available, try using another creamy herbed cheese spread or even a blend of cream cheese and fresh herbs for a similar effect. The unique garlic and fine herb flavor is what gives Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese its signature taste.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still end up with a rich and creamy meal everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese enough—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a weeknight treat or to impress your favorite people. Give it a try, and get ready to savor every bite of that dreamy, cheesy goodness!
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Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy rigatoni recipe features rich Boursin cheese blended with garlic, shallots, and a touch of cream to create a luscious, herb-infused sauce. Perfectly cooked al dente rigatoni is tossed in the velvety mixture, then finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley for a comforting, flavorful Italian-inspired vegetarian main course that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. If using, stir in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Combine Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat to low and add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the mixture forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece with the sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to combine flavors and warm through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy rigatoni while warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- For a lighter variation, substitute the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half without compromising flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder sauce.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to getting the sauce to the perfect silky texture, so don’t skip that step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
