Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delightful dish that combines creamy cheese, vibrant tomatoes, and fresh spinach all baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. The unique blend of flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The Boursin cheese creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with the roasted tomatoes.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with spinach and tomatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its comforting flavors make this pasta a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach, you will need some essential tools in your kitchen to streamline the process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Provides the perfect space for roasting tomatoes and melting cheese together.
- Large pot: Ensures even cooking of the pasta while allowing enough room for boiling.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dish
- 1 (7-oz.) jar julienned sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 (5.2-oz.) packages Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
- 12 oz. uncooked short pasta of choice
- 2 cups spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your cheese melts perfectly while the tomatoes roast.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
In a 13×9-inch baking pan:
Stir together the sun-dried tomatoes in oil with the cherry tomatoes.
Push the tomatoes to one side of the pan.
Place both rounds of Boursin cheese in the center.
Step 3: Bake the Cheese and Tomatoes
Bake in the preheated oven until:
The cheese has softened.
The tomatoes are roasted, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your cheese is baking:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Remove the baking pan from the oven:
1. Immediately stir together the melted Boursin cheese, roasted tomatoes, and spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach nicely.
2. Stir in the drained pasta until everything is well-combined.
Step 6: Serve
Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish hot!
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How to Serve Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Baked Boursin cheese pasta with sundried tomatoes and spinach is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad – Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing side.
- Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Add a Protein
- Grilled Chicken – Sliced grilled chicken adds heartiness and pairs well with the creamy texture.
- Shrimp Scampi – Lightly sautéed shrimp in garlic and butter offer a tasty seafood twist.
Serve with Bread
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any remaining sauce.
- Focaccia – Soft, herby focaccia complements the Italian flavors in the dish.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley – Finely chopped fresh herbs can add brightness and enhance flavors when sprinkled on top.
- Chili Flakes – A sprinkle of chili flakes provides a nice kick if you like some heat.
How to Perfect Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
To ensure your baked Boursin cheese pasta turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Al Dente Pasta – Cooking pasta just until al dente will prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Choose Quality Ingredients – Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will elevate the dish’s overall flavor.
- Mix Thoroughly – Ensuring all ingredients are well-combined helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the pasta.
- Adjust Baking Time – Keep an eye on the cheese; you want it soft but not overly melted.
- Add Extra Cheese – For more richness, feel free to sprinkle additional cheese on top before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Baked Boursin cheese pasta pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some top recommendations:
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds texture and flavor.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a vibrant and light side.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with grains or quinoa make for a nutritious accompaniment.
- Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles provide a low-carb option that complements the creamy pasta well.
- Bruschetta – Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offer a delightful crunch.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, cured meats, and cheeses pairs beautifully for an appetizer-style side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overbaking the cheese – Baking the cheese too long can make it too firm. Keep an eye on it and remove it when it’s just softened.
- Not salting the pasta water – Failing to salt the boiling water can result in bland pasta. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt for flavor.
- Skipping the spinach – Leaving out spinach reduces the dish’s nutritional value and freshness. Always include it for a vibrant taste and health boost.
- Using low-quality sun-dried tomatoes – Poor-quality tomatoes can affect flavor. Opt for high-quality jarred varieties packed in oil for the best results.
- Ignoring pasta cooking time – Cooking pasta beyond al dente can lead to mushy results. Follow packaging instructions carefully to achieve perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for peak flavor.
Reheating Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach, here are some common questions answered.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other creamy cheeses if you want a different flavor profile.
How can I customize this recipe?
Add protein such as chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness, or swap out vegetables based on your preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.
What can I serve with Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach?
Pair this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is not only delicious but also versatile. This comforting recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy get-together. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients!
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a creamy, indulgent dish that brings together the rich flavors of Boursin cheese, sweet sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This one-pan meal is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a relaxed weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. The comforting blend of flavors makes it a sure hit among both kids and adults. Serve it hot, topped with grated Parmesan, and enjoy the delightful combination of textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 (7-oz.) jar julienned sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 (5.2-oz.) packages Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese
- 12 oz. uncooked short pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a baking pan, mix sun-dried and cherry tomatoes, pushing them to one side; place Boursin cheese in the center.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until cheese softens and tomatoes roast.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Combine melted cheese and roasted tomatoes with spinach in the baking pan; stir in drained pasta.
- Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
