Creamy Boursin Rigatoni Delight

$- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta - 1 (5.2-ounce) package of Boursin cheese (garlic and herbs flavor) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish The first step in making Boursin creamy rigatoni is gathering your ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating flavors that dance on your tongue. Start with 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta. This shape holds sauce well, making every bite satisfying. You’ll need a 5.2-ounce package of Boursin cheese with garlic and herbs. This cheese adds a creamy and rich taste that makes the dish special. Next, grab 1 cup of heavy cream. This helps create that luxurious sauce texture. For freshness, use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. They will burst with sweetness when cooked. You also want 1 cup of baby spinach, roughly chopped. It adds color and nutrients. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a nice salty kick. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic. Speaking of garlic, use 3 cloves, minced. It brings a warm aroma to the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves make the perfect garnish. They add a pop of color and a fresh taste. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they will come together to create a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This should take about 10-12 minutes. When it's ready, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help make the sauce creamy later. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and juicy. Lower the heat and stir in 1 package of Boursin cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Slowly add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Stir gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Add in 1 cup of roughly chopped baby spinach, stirring until it wilts. Finally, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it right away, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a touch of flavor. To adjust the sauce's consistency, use reserved pasta water. Start with a little, then add more if needed. This water helps make the sauce creamy and blends well with the pasta. You want a smooth, rich texture that coats your rigatoni perfectly. Prevent burning garlic by cooking it on medium heat. Stir it often and keep an eye on it. Garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. For extra flavor, infuse your sauce with fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or parsley can elevate your dish. Chop them finely and stir them in just before serving. Fresh herbs add a bright taste that pairs well with Boursin cheese. Using fresh ingredients is key for the best taste. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Fresh produce enhances the dish's color and flavor. It makes your rigatoni feel special and vibrant. Pair your creamy rigatoni with a light wine. A white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish well. It balances the richness of the sauce. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a fresh crunch. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves work wonders. They add a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. This small touch makes your dish look and taste gourmet. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your rigatoni until al dente to ensure it maintains a good texture when mixed with the sauce. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining; it helps in achieving the perfect creamy consistency. Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cherry tomatoes and baby spinach will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Cheese Variations: If you want to experiment, try adding different flavors of Boursin cheese or mixing in some goat cheese for extra tang. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun twists. Try creamy goat cheese for a tangy kick. Ricotta adds a light texture, and cream cheese can work too. If you want a plant-based option, look for vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese. These give you a similar creaminess without dairy. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. You can toss in bell peppers or zucchini for more color. Mushrooms offer a nice earthiness. If you want a fresh touch, add peas or asparagus. For seasonal choices, use squash in fall or fresh peas in spring. These changes keep your dish exciting and healthy. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp bring great flavor. Sausage adds a spicy kick. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or lentils. These options are filling and tasty, making your meal more satisfying. To keep your creamy rigatoni fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps seal in flavor and moisture. Place the container in the fridge. Your pasta will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, refrigerate it right after it cools. If you want to freeze your creamy rigatoni, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The pasta may expand when it freezes. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk. This keeps the texture creamy and smooth. Stir often to avoid any sticking. Enjoy your pasta as if it were fresh! Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the rigatoni and make the sauce. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine them and reheat. This keeps the pasta fresh and the sauce creamy. If you need a substitute for Boursin cheese, try cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. Goat cheese or ricotta can also work. These cheeses will give you a rich and creamy flavor. To reheat, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of cream or pasta water. Stir gently until warm. This helps keep the dish creamy and tasty. Avoid the microwave, as it may dry out the pasta. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy rigatoni with a rich Boursin sauce. You learned key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for a perfect dish. We also discussed tasty variations and storage options. With these steps, you can create a delightful meal that pleases anyone. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and don't hesitate to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!$

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

12 ounces rigatoni pasta
5.2 ounces Boursin cheese (garlic and herbs flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Lower the heat and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and creamy, making sure everything is well combined.
Slowly add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir gently to coat the pasta.
Add in the chopped baby spinach, stirring until it wilts slightly into the sauce.
Finish by mixing in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Keyword Boursin, creamy, pasta, quick meal, rigatoni