If you are craving a comforting and utterly delicious pasta dish, this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture tender rigatoni cooked right in a luscious, velvety sauce made rich with garlic and herb Boursin cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage, and a blend of aromatic spices. Every bite brings a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that make it hard to put down. It’s a warm hug in pasta form, great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your favorite pasta meals to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color—from the savory meat and tender rigatoni to the flavorful sauce enriched with creamy Boursin cheese.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty richness and depth to the sauce, infusing it with meaty flavor.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and builds the savory base of the dish.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Imparts aromatic warmth that elevates the entire recipe.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor for an extra layer of savoriness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky goodness in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flair and complexity.
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara: Serves as the delicious tomato base tying everything together.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: The perfect hearty pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth, cooking the pasta right in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese: The star ingredient making the sauce irresistibly creamy with a hint of garlic and fresh herbs.
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving: Provides a sharp, nutty contrast that beautifully rounds out the dish.
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbal note to finish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to perfect the overall flavor.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook everything until the meat is nicely browned and the onions become translucent and fragrant. If there’s excess grease, be sure to drain it so the sauce isn’t overly oily. This step lays a savory foundation that will enhance the flavor of your entire dish.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Next, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir these spices into the meat mixture so they bloom, releasing their delicious aromas and infusing every bite with balanced seasoning. This ensures your sauce has that classic Italian-inspired punch.
Step 3: Add Sauce, Pasta, and Broth
Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara, then add the dry rigatoni pasta and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the flavorful liquid. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to get the cooking process underway.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover your pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rigatoni is cooked al dente. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce broth allows it to absorb all those wonderful flavors, resulting in a more cohesive and tasty dish.
Step 5: Melt in the Boursin Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly, stir in the Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese. It will melt smoothly into the sauce, making it incredibly creamy and herbaceous. This is where the magic really happens, turning your sauce from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give your dish a taste test and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The seasoning can always be fine-tuned to suit your preference. Then, when you’re ready to serve, sprinkle with fresh parsley for color and a burst of freshness, plus a good grating of parmesan cheese to enhance those rich flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous shower of freshly grated parmesan are perfect garnishes. They not only add a visual pop but also introduce fresh, herbal brightness and a savory cheesy finish that complements the creaminess splendidly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a perfect companion, great for soaking up any remaining luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or something extra special, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top and a small sprig of fresh basil. You can also present it family-style in a big, rustic serving dish to encourage sharing and cozy conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
This creamy pasta can be frozen, but because of the dairy content, it’s best to freeze it without the cheese stirred in. Freeze the rigatoni and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, then add fresh Boursin cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. This keeps the dish creamy and prevents the cheese from breaking or the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because its ridges and tube shape hold the sauce well, penne or ziti can be great substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. You can swap out the ground beef or sausage for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or even lentils to keep it hearty and flavorful without meat.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
You can try other creamy herb cheeses like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or goat cheese for a tangier twist. However, Boursin really gives this recipe its signature flavor and smooth texture.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is mild and comforting, with herbs and garlic dominating the flavor profile. If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during cooking to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?
Yes! You can cook the meat, prepare the sauce, and even cook the pasta just shy of al dente the day before, then combine and finish cooking with Boursin cheese right before serving. This makes hosting easier.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you eat it. It’s generous, flavorful, and silky smooth—perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to give this irresistible recipe a try; I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy rigatoni recipe features a rich and flavorful sauce made with Boursin garlic and herb cheese, ground beef or Italian sausage, and a savory tomato base. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender pasta with a luscious, creamy sauce, topped with fresh parmesan and parsley for added brightness.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving
Garnish
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Add Spices: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly to coat the meat mixture, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce, rigatoni pasta, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the rigatoni pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Boursin Cheese: Stir the Boursin cheese into the sauce until it fully melts and creates a creamy consistency throughout the dish.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with dried or fresh parsley and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Use either ground beef or Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth during cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
