Baked Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Boursin Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy Boursin cheese, and fresh basil. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (3 1/2–4 cups)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced (or 1/2 small onion)
• 2 rounds Boursin cheese (150g each, or 1 large 250g round)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 12 ounces medium-cut pasta
• Boiling salted water (for pasta cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
2. Step 2: In a large broil-safe 9×13” baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced shallot (or onion), and olive oil.
3. Step 3: Season with salt and pepper, then toss the tomatoes and shallot with olive oil to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Make a well in the center of the dish large enough for the Boursin cheese round, and place the cheese in the middle.
5. Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes blister and the Boursin begins to brown.
6. Step 6: When there are 10-15 minutes remaining, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Step 7: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and keep warm.
8. Step 8: Set the oven to broil once the baking time is up. If your pan is not broil-safe, you can bake at 450ºF (230ºC) for an additional 5-10 minutes instead.
9. Step 9: Broil the tomatoes and cheese for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and most tomatoes are blistered.
10. Step 10: Remove the dish from the oven, add the minced garlic, and use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes and mix them into the Boursin cheese to create a creamy, chunky sauce.
11. Step 11: Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
12. Step 12: Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss until well coated with the sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
13. Step 13: Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you prefer a milder garlic flavor or want to skip a step.
• Swap fresh basil for fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbaceous twist.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Try using gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• If you can’t find Boursin cheese, cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs can be a good substitute.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, cream cheese with added herbs or a soft goat cheese can work as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly from the original Boursin taste.

Do I need a broil-safe baking dish for this recipe?

It’s best to use a broil-safe dish to broil the cheese and tomatoes at the end for that perfect bubbly finish. If you don’t have one, you can bake at a higher temperature instead to achieve similar results.

Baked Boursin Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 81 reviews

This Baked Boursin Pasta recipe features blistered cherry tomatoes and creamy Boursin cheese baked together to create a luscious, flavorful sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta. With minimal prep and a simple oven bake, it’s a delightful fusion of roasted tomato sweetness, garlic, and fresh basil, making a comforting yet elegant meal.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato and Cheese Mixture

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (3 1/2 – 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 shallot, minced (or 1/2 small onion)
• 2 rounds Boursin cheese (150g each) or 1 large (250g) round
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Pasta

• 12 ounces medium-cut pasta
• Boiling salted water for cooking pasta

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425ºF to prepare for baking the tomatoes and Boursin cheese.
2. Prepare Tomatoes and Shallot: In a large broil-safe 9×13-inch baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and minced shallot (or onion). Pour in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. Place Boursin Cheese: Create a well in the center of the tomato mixture large enough to fit the round of Boursin cheese, then place the cheese in the center.
4. Bake Tomatoes and Cheese: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cherry tomatoes blister and the Boursin cheese begins to brown around the edges.
5. Cook Pasta: When there are 10-15 minutes left on the bake, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook following package directions until al dente. Drain and keep warm by covering with a plate.
6. Broil for Finish: Once baking time is done, switch oven to broil (only if the pan is broil-safe). Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and tomatoes have blistered more. If not broil-safe, bake at 450ºF for an additional 5-10 minutes instead.
7. Create Sauce: Remove from oven carefully. Add minced garlic and use the bottom of a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes, stirring them into the melted Boursin to form a creamy, chunky sauce.
8. Add Basil: Stir in the fresh chopped basil to infuse bright herbaceous flavor.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the tomato and cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, then enjoy this comforting baked pasta dish.

Notes

• Ensure your baking dish is broil-safe if you intend to broil at the end; otherwise, increase oven temperature instead.
• Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same bright freshness.
• Medium-cut pasta works best to hold the chunky sauce, but other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can also be used.
• Adjust olive oil quantity for richer or lighter texture to your preference.
• Leftovers can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Keywords: Baked Boursin Pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese pasta, baked pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy baked dinner