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Creamy Boursin Chicken Pasta, a delicious and easy weeknight meal, is pictured as the featured image.

BEST BOURSIN CHICKEN PASTA EVER

This Boursin Chicken Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish with succulent chicken and herby, garlicky notes. It's a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions, and can be easily customized with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for chicken
  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, for garnish optional
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • colander
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor!
  8. Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes, so be patient!
  9. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
  10. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the Boursin sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
  12. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  13. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Sauce too thick? Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. Sauce too thin? Simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. Chicken dry? Make sure you don't overcook the chicken. It should be cooked through but still juicy. You can also add a little extra olive oil to the skillet while cooking. Boursin cheese not melting? Break the Boursin into smaller pieces before adding it to the skillet. This will help it melt more evenly. The chicken can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out. Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Boursin cheese. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone cheese to the pasta before serving for an extra cheesy experience. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would be delicious additions to the sauce.