If you have been searching for a comforting yet indulgent pasta dish that is bursting with flavor and comes together in just about 30 minutes, you’ve just found it. This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is the perfect balance of savory ground meat, aromatic herbs, and that rich, dreamy creaminess brought by Boursin cheese. Every forkful feels like a warm hug, with rigatoni pasta soaking up the luscious sauce, making it an easy favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the robust flavor of Italian sausage or ground beef to the fresh punch of garlic, and not to forget the star of the show, Boursin cheese, every component adds a layer of taste, texture, or color that elevates the pasta to something truly special.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a hearty, savory base that makes the dish filling and flavorful.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a subtle sweetness and texture contrast when cooked down with meat.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and essential warmth.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Intensifies onion flavor for a well-rounded taste.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlic profile and gives an extra savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbs like oregano and basil that tie the flavors together.
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara: Forms the saucy, tomatoey backbone of the dish.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in its ridged tubes.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the pasta and enrich the sauce’s depth of flavor.
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese: The creamy, flavorful cheese melts to create the dish’s signature luscious texture.
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving: Adds a nutty, salty finishing touch that complements the creaminess.
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. If you notice any excess grease, drain it off for a lighter dish, but leave enough fat to carry the flavors.
Step 2: Season the Mix
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to coat everything. These pantry staples boost the savory flavor profile and make every bite more exciting.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Broth
Pour in your jar of spaghetti sauce along with the rigatoni pasta and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly submerged in the flavorful liquid. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook perfectly al dente, absorbing all those wonderful sauce flavors as the liquid reduces.
Step 5: Melt in the Boursin Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the entire packet of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese. It will melt seamlessly into the sauce, enriching it with an irresistibly creamy texture and a punch of tasty herbs and garlic.
Step 6: Final Taste Adjustment
Give the dish a careful taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This last step ensures the flavors are balanced and your creamy rigatoni is spot on.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top and serving generous amounts of freshly grated parmesan. These finishing touches add a beautiful color contrast and elevate the flavor even more.
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To make your meal pop visually and flavor-wise, fresh parsley is a must. It adds a refreshing, bright green contrast to the creamy pasta and a touch of herbal freshness that balances the richness. Don’t forget a good sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, which introduces a slightly salty, nutty note that complements the Boursin beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to add texture and lightness. A simple Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli are fantastic companions that bring out the best in the creamy rigatoni without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider serving the creamy rigatoni straight from the Dutch oven at the table, letting everyone scoop their portions. Alternatively, transfer to a large warm casserole dish with a sprinkle of extra cheese and parsley for a rustic, homey presentation. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts can also elevate the dish’s richness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy rigatoni can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze before adding the cheese for optimal texture after thawing. Freeze the pasta and sauce mixture in portion-sized freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight and stir in fresh Boursin cheese upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high power as it can make the cheese separate; slow, gentle reheating keeps the texture luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rigatoni?
Absolutely! While rigatoni’s ridged tubes are perfect for catching the creamy sauce, penne, ziti, or even shells would work beautifully and soak up the delicious flavors just as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef or sausage for a plant-based meat substitute or sauté a mix of mushrooms and zucchini for a satisfying vegetarian twist that still tastes amazing.
What can I do if I don’t have Boursin cheese?
If Boursin is not available, a cream cheese mixed with minced garlic and herbs can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich and garlic-forward. For the authentic creamy experience, try to find Boursin or a similar herbed creamy cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers in the sauce and broth.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and well-balanced, with the Italian seasoning and Boursin adding herbs and garlic rather than heat. You can easily add crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe enough to anyone who loves a hearty, comforting pasta dinner that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. With the gorgeous combination of meaty sauce, tender pasta, and that unbeatable creamy Boursin cheese finish, it’s a dish that keeps guests coming back for seconds and requests to make it again. Trust me, once you try it, this will be one of your go-to weeknight favorites!
Print
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 ground beef or Italian sausage simmered with rich marinara sauce, aromatic seasonings, and tender rigatoni pasta, all brought together with luscious Boursin garlic and herb cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy one-pot meal perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Base
- 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 Sauté Aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to evenly coat the meat mixture, infusing it with additional flavor.
- Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Broth: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and chicken broth. Add the rigatoni pasta, stirring well to combine all ingredients uniformly. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes or until the rigatoni is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Melt in the Boursin Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce coating the pasta.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley for color and freshness, then serve the creamy rigatoni with a generous topping of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor or use all beef for a milder taste.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content more precisely.
- The dish can be made vegetarian by substituting the meat with plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
