Description
This Chicken Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken tenders with farfalle pasta and a rich garlic herb Boursin cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb dry farfalle noodles
- Salt (for boiling water)
- Reserved pasta water (about 1 cup)
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 (5 oz) packages Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese, cut into pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in a single layer and cook until browned on one side, then turn and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the diced shallots over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until softened. Reduce the heat to low, pour in 1 cup of reserved pasta water, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Gradually whisk in the Boursin cheese pieces until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and chopped chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding a splash more pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as its starchiness helps to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juiciness before chopping.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing shallots.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting farfalle noodles with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American