Description
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender seared chicken breasts with al dente fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, this 30-minute recipe serves four and brings a perfect balance of creamy texture and vibrant flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine pasta
- 5 oz (150 g) Boursin cheese (garlic and herbs flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking the pasta)
Optional Ingredients
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing to retain the juices.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for use in the sauce.
- Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: Using the same skillet from the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet along with the Boursin cheese. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything gently until the cheese melts completely and coats the pasta evenly. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and place them atop the creamy pasta. Season with additional black pepper and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy Boursin chicken pasta!
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding optional ingredients such as sliced mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic and tomatoes.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to hold the creamy sauce.
- Resting the chicken briefly after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh finishing touch but are optional.
