Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Boursin Pasta (Rich, Creamy & Effortlessly Elegant!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 12, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy rigatoni pasta in white sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, served in a black pan

This Creamy Boursin Pasta is an easy, comforting dinner that feels rich and indulgent without requiring much effort. Tender pasta is tossed in a silky garlic-herb sauce made with creamy Boursin cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or simple entertaining. If you love creamy favorites like Chicken Florentine, Marry Me Chicken, or Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Bake, this pasta fits right into your comfort-food rotation.

Boursin melts beautifully, creating a smooth sauce that coats every bite. Serve it as-is for a satisfying vegetarian meal or customize it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. It pairs wonderfully with fresh sides like Classic Caesar Salad, Broccoli Bacon Salad, or warm Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread to round out the meal. Simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, rich pasta made with melty Boursin cheese
Smooth, velvety sauce with bold garlic and herb flavor
Simple ingredients that come together quickly
Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy nights in, or easy entertaining

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or shells)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 wheel (5.2 oz) Garlic & Herb Boursin cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

Sautéed mushrooms
Spinach
Grilled chicken
Shrimp
Roasted tomatoes

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Sauté garlic for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Melt the Boursin: Add the Boursin cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Stir in Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Add grilled chicken for protein
Pair with Cranberry Spinach Salad or Apple Pecan Salad
Serve with Homemade Sourdough Bread
Finish with Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Honey-Glazed Carrots

FAQ

What is Boursin cheese?

Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese blended with garlic and herbs. It melts easily, making it perfect for sauces.

Can I use a different Boursin flavor?

Yes! Shallot & Chive, Cracked Black Pepper, or Basil & Chive all work well.

Can I make this lighter?

You can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Does this reheat well?

Yes — reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Boursin Pasta is the kind of recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. With its rich garlic-herb sauce, tender pasta, and versatile add-ins, it’s a reliable go-to for busy nights or relaxed dinners at home. Whether served on its own or paired with your favorite sides, this dish proves that simple ingredients can still create something truly special.