Boursin Cheese Rigatoni is a creamy pasta dish that’s quick and tasty! The rich, flavorful Boursin cheese melts beautifully, creating a dreamy sauce that coats each piece of rigatoni.
This dish feels fancy but is super simple to make. I love tossing in some fresh herbs to brighten it up. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni: This pasta shape holds sauces well due to its ridges. If you can’t find rigatoni, penne or ziti are great substitutes!
Boursin Cheese: The garlic & herb flavor is perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a light cream cheese mixed with herbs instead.
Ground Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. For a vegetarian option, swap it out for diced mushrooms or lentils.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even milk. Just remember, it may not be as rich!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work too, but you might miss that smokiness.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy Without Clumping?
The sauce can sometimes clump if not handled carefully. Here’s how to keep it smooth:
- Always heat the cream gently before adding the cheese.
- Stir the cheese in slowly, allowing it to melt completely before adding more.
- If you notice the sauce thickening too much, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Adding the pasta directly into the sauce helps it absorb flavors, so mix it in well for a creamy finish!
Boursin Cheese Rigatoni
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or paprika for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Boursin Cheese Rigatoni takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 20 minutes making the sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means firm but cooked). Remember to take out 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest!
2. Brown the Sausage:
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Let it cook for about 6-8 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells amazing!
3. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook it for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, which means it’s will infuse your dish with delicious flavor!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, reduce the heat to medium and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm for about 2 minutes. This step makes sure the cream is heated but not boiling.
5. Mix in Boursin Cheese:
Add the Boursin cheese into the skillet, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
6. Add Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully combined with the sauce. This will enhance the creaminess and add another layer of flavor.
7. Combine with Rigatoni:
Toss the cooked rigatoni into the skillet. Mix it well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with that creamy goodness. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, slowly add a touch of the reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency!
8. Final Seasoning:
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to taste. This will brighten up the flavors.
9. Serve the Dish:
Now it’s time to plate up! Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika on top for color and garnish with more parsley to make it look extra special.
10. Enjoy!
Dig in immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Boursin Cheese Rigatoni! It’s a cozy dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is great for holding the sauce, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground Italian sausage with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even a mix of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can still keep the creamy Boursin cheese for flavor!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store each separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce gently on the stove and toss in the pasta. You might need to add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it up!
What Can I Serve with Boursin Cheese Rigatoni?
This dish pairs well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal. If you want to add more protein, consider serving grilled chicken or shrimp on the side!
