This Boursin Cheese Rigatoni is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! The rich Boursin cheese melts beautifully into the pasta, making each bite super satisfying.
It’s a quick dish that feels fancy, perfect for impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, you’ll want to serve this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni: This pasta shape works great for holding the creamy sauce, but you can use other pasta like penne or fusilli if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on the cooking time with different shapes!
Boursin Cheese: Boursin is rich and flavorful, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with plain cream cheese mixed with crushed garlic and herbs. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!
Ground Italian Sausage: For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also skip meat altogether and add sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor!
Heavy Cream: You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, but the sauce will have a different richness.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Pasta for This Dish?
Cooking pasta may seem straightforward, but doing it right makes a big difference! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with plenty of salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt per gallon).
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your rigatoni. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water is great for adjusting sauce consistency!
Cooking pasta perfectly will help make your rigatoni dish that much better!
Boursin Cheese Rigatoni
Ingredients You’re Going to Need:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Boursin Cheese Rigatoni will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rigatoni:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add your rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (meaning it should still have a slight bite to it). Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain the pasta. This water can help thicken or loosen your sauce later!
2. Cook the Sausage:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 6-8 minutes until the sausage is nicely browned and completely cooked through.
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, add your minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Make It Creamy:
Now, turn the heat down to low and add in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and forms a lovely creamy sauce.
5. Mix in Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the crushed red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This is the moment to adjust the flavors to your liking!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Take the cooked rigatoni and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently so that all the pasta is coated in that delicious creamy goodness. If you find the sauce too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Your Boursin Cheese Rigatoni is ready to serve! Dish it up immediately and don’t forget to garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for that added pop.
Enjoy your luscious, creamy Boursin Cheese Rigatoni!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Boursin cheese adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with plain cream cheese mixed with some garlic and herbs for a similar creaminess. Just note that the flavor will be milder.
Can I Make This Without Meat?
Yes! You can skip the ground Italian sausage entirely and use mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Just sauté them until tender before adding the garlic.
Is It Possible to Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them together!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain creaminess.