If you’re looking for a stunning, flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. Creamy Boursin cheese melts into a luscious sauce as sweet cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness from the oven, perfectly complemented by the bright, earthy spinach. The marriage of textures and vibrant colors makes this dish not only a feast for your taste buds but also a true showstopper that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a casual dinner party centerpiece, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s lovely about this Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and inviting textures. From the creamy richness of Boursin cheese to the fresh brightness of baby spinach, every element is essential.
- Chunky pasta (1 pound): Fusilli or cavatappi work best for holding onto the rich sauce and tomato juices.
- Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese (5.2 ounces): This cheese brings that irresistible creamy, herbed punch to the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (24 ounces): Roasting these releases their natural sweetness and softens them perfectly.
- Shallot, thinly sliced (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps roast the tomatoes and brings a silky finish to the sauce.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): A gentle kick that enlivens the whole dish.
- Fresh baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a lovely green freshness and slight earthiness to balance the richness.
- Optional fresh herbs: Chopped basil, parsley, or chives lend a bright, herbaceous pop at the end.
How to Make Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key for roasting the cherry tomatoes until they’re perfectly tender and bursting, which forms the base for your sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the oven heats, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chunky pasta according to the package directions. The salt adds seasoning to the pasta itself and the shape you choose will ideally catch every bit of that creamy, garlicky sauce.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Roasting
In a large baking dish, combine the Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced shallot. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to coat the tomatoes completely in the oil and spices – that’s where all the magic will happen.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the tomatoes start to burst open, releasing their juices and mingling with the rich, melting Boursin. The aromas alone are enough to make your mouth water.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Once roasted, stir the mixture well to combine the tomatoes and cheese into a smooth, flavorful sauce. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and stir until it just wilts – this preserves the vibrant color and boosts the nutritional value of your dish.
Step 6: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Drain your cooked pasta, saving half a cup of the pasta water. Stir the pasta into your Boursin sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water at a time if the sauce needs thinning. This trick keeps everything silky and perfectly coated without watering down the flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a final flourish, sprinkle your pasta with chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives. These add a fresh, peppery lift that perfectly complements the creamy, roasted tomato base. Now you’re ready to dive in!
How to Serve Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Bright, freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley are the perfect way to finish your dish. They add a fresh, herbaceous layer that cuts through the creamy richness and gives a beautiful pop of green color. You can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy punch if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or crunchy garlic bread. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette is a lovely, peppery contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing the meal just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, layering each portion with a few whole roasted cherry tomatoes and a little extra fresh herb garnish on top. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil around the edges and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that inviting glimmer of spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the pasta even tastier as the herbed cheese continues to mingle with the tomato juices.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to avoid it if you want to maintain the fresh texture of the spinach. If you do freeze leftovers, be aware that the pasta sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, so stir well and gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. This will help bring back the silky consistency without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Boursin is special because of its creamy texture and distinct garlic-herb flavor, which really defines this recipe. You could substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic, but the unique balance might shift slightly.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Chunky, spiral, or twisted pastas like fusilli, cavatappi, or rotini are ideal because they catch the creamy sauce and tomato juices, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe contains no meat or animal rennet, so it fits perfectly into a vegetarian lifestyle.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu can make excellent additions if you want to turn this into a more substantial meal.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that lingers pleasantly without overpowering the creamy, fresh flavors. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe comes together so effortlessly to create such a rich, comforting, yet bright meal. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and fresh—you simply have to make it for yourself. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.
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Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and flavorful Boursin Pasta recipe combines tender pasta with luscious Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, shallots, and fresh baby spinach. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant yet easy meal to share.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound chunky pasta (like fusilli or cavatappi)
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 box (5.2 ounces) Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
- 24 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Optional Topping
- Chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and cheese mixture.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the chunky pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced shallots. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes on top. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly with oil and seasoning.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the tomatoes start to burst, releasing their juices and blending with the cheese.
- Combine Spinach: Remove the dish from the oven and stir the melted cheese and roasted tomatoes together. Add fresh baby spinach to the hot mixture and stir until the spinach is just wilted.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese and tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with optional chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives, then serve immediately for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
- You can substitute baby spinach with kale or arugula if preferred.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs add a lovely bright flavor as a finishing touch but are optional.
