Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve to guests. The baked Boursin cheese melts into a creamy, herb-infused sauce that pairs beautifully with the sweet roasted tomatoes. With just a few ingredients and barely any prep, you’ll have a gourmet pasta dish on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs variety recommended)
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the Boursin cheese wheel in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the cheese is soft and melted.
- While the dish is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir everything together to form a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use flavored Boursin varieties like Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper for a twist.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for protein.
- Stir in spinach or arugula after baking for added greens.
- Try it with roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but still tasty the next day.
FAQs
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin is a soft, creamy, herb-infused cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to sauces and dips.
Can I use another cheese if I don’t have Boursin?
You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, but Boursin offers the best flavor and texture for this dish.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, bake it uncovered so the tomatoes can roast and burst, adding depth to the sauce.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce, but spaghetti or linguine also work well.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based Boursin alternative and vegan pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh cherry tomatoes are best for this recipe, but chopped sun-dried tomatoes can be added for extra flavor.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of reserved pasta water when mixing everything together.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s not ideal for freezing as the cheese sauce may separate. Best to enjoy fresh or refrigerate for a few days.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, cheesy, and flavorful—most kids love it!
Conclusion
Baked Boursin Tomato Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that comes together effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this pasta offers gourmet flavor with almost no work. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
PrintBaked Boursin Tomato Pasta
Baked Boursin Tomato Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish made by baking Boursin cheese with cherry tomatoes to create a velvety sauce that coats pasta perfectly—ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 wheel Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs recommended)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, whole or smashed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Place the Boursin cheese wheel in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the cheese is soft and melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir everything together to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for added protein.
- Stir in spinach or arugula after baking for extra greens.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
