Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *boursin cheese pasta with broccoli*! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is just so easy to whip up. Seriously, we’re talking about creamy, dreamy goodness that hugs every noodle perfectly. The boursin cheese melts into this luscious sauce that coats the pasta and broccoli, making each bite a little piece of heaven. I can’t help but smile every time I make it! Plus, it comes together in about 25 minutes, so you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. Trust me, the combination of rich cheese and fresh broccoli is a game changer! You’ll want to dive right in, and I promise you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious boursin cheese pasta with broccoli. There’s nothing fancy here, just good, wholesome stuff that comes together beautifully!
- 8 oz pasta: Choose your favorite type! Spaghetti, penne, or even fusilli work great. Make sure it’s dried pasta for the best results.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh is best! Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. You’ll love the vibrant green color they add!
- 5 oz boursin cheese: This creamy, herbed cheese is the star of the show! You can find it in the cheese section of your grocery store. Feel free to choose a flavor you love, like garlic & fine herbs!
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Use low-sodium broth if you like to control the saltiness. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Extra virgin is my go-to! It adds a lovely richness to the dish while sautéing.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: This adds a nice touch of garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic. But if you prefer fresh, go for it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always a must for enhancing flavors. Don’t skip this step!
Once you’ve got all these ingredients ready, you’ll be all set to make a creamy, comforting bowl of pasta that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this boursin cheese pasta with broccoli! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy dish that everyone will love!
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
First things first, grab a large pot and fill it with water—about 4-6 quarts should do the trick. Bring that water to a rolling boil like it means business! Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt (trust me, this is key for flavor). Now, toss in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente perfection. Here’s a little tip: during the last 3 minutes of cooking, add in those beautiful broccoli florets. This way, they’ll cook just enough to be tender but still have that lovely crunch. Plus, they’ll turn a vibrant green that’s just so inviting!
Making the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta and broccoli are cooking away, it’s time to whip up that dreamy cheese sauce. In a separate pan, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it to shimmer gently, not smoke! Once it’s hot, sprinkle in the garlic powder and stir it for about a minute. Oh, the smell is divine! Now, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—stir in the boursin cheese until it melts into the broth, creating a velvety sauce that’ll have you swooning. Just keep stirring until it’s all mixed and creamy; it takes just a few minutes!
Combining Everything
Once your pasta and broccoli are cooked to perfection, carefully drain them in a colander. Don’t rinse them; we want that starch to help the sauce stick! Now, add the drained pasta and broccoli right into that luscious cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in that heavenly sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is where you can really amp up the flavor! Give it a taste, and adjust as needed. Now, grab a fork and dig in, because you’ve just created something truly special!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig into this creamy delight, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guide. Each serving of this boursin cheese pasta with broccoli packs about 400 calories, with 18g of fat (6g saturated), and 12g of protein. It also contains 50g of carbohydrates, along with 3g of fiber. If you’re watching your sodium, it has around 600mg per serving, so adjust accordingly with low-sodium options if needed. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re also treating your body right!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your boursin cheese pasta with broccoli turns out absolutely perfect every single time! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of boursin cheese to your taste. If you like it extra creamy, go ahead and add a bit more—who doesn’t love a luscious sauce?
If you’re looking to boost the protein in this dish, consider tossing in some cooked chicken or shrimp. They pair wonderfully with the flavors and make the meal even more satisfying. And if you want to switch things up, using whole wheat pasta is a fantastic option! It adds a nice nutty flavor and a bit more fiber.
Lastly, always taste and adjust your seasonings! A little extra salt and pepper can make a world of difference, so don’t skip that step. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Texture: The boursin cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Fresh broccoli adds a healthy crunch and a pop of color, balancing out the creamy sauce.
- Customizable: You can easily add proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it even heartier!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting and flavorful pasta dish.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your boursin cheese pasta with broccoli, the options are endless! For a light and refreshing side, I love pairing it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the creamy pasta beautifully! You can also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side for that extra bit of indulgence—trust me, you’ll want something to scoop up every last drop of that delicious cheese sauce!
If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp works wonderfully alongside this dish. They add a lovely protein boost and make your dinner feel extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious boursin cheese pasta with broccoli, you’re in for a treat! To store, simply let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat. I recommend adding a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While boursin cheese is the star here, you can use cream cheese or a similar soft cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor a bit. You can also mix in some Parmesan for an extra cheesy kick!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth? No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Just remember, using broth will enhance the flavor of the sauce, so if you go with water, add a bit of extra seasoning!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Just combine them right before serving. To reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are plenty of options available that work wonderfully in this dish!
How can I add more veggies? Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand! Spinach, peas, or even bell peppers would be delightful additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any veggies that need a bit longer to cook!
Print
Boursin Cheese Pasta with Broccoli: 5 Easy Comfort Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy pasta dish featuring boursin cheese and fresh broccoli.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 5 oz boursin cheese
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Add broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic powder and stir for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in boursin cheese until melted and creamy.
- Drain pasta and broccoli, then add to the cheese sauce.
- Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust the amount of boursin cheese to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: boursin cheese pasta with broccoli