If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgently creamy yet comes together in a snap, this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Picture tender rigatoni enveloped in a luscious sauce bursting with rich garlic and herb flavors from the Boursin cheese, complemented by hearty ground beef and a vibrant tomato base. It’s cozy comfort meets gourmet flair, making every bite a little celebration at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients each play an essential role in making this Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe sing. From the flavorful meat and fragrant spices to the creamy, herb-infused cheese, every item contributes to the dish’s irresistible taste, texture, and color.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth and a meaty texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic base to build rich flavors.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, fragrant notes that perk up every bite.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for extra savory richness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlic presence alongside fresh cloves for layered complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herbaceous hints that tie the sauce together beautifully.
- 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara: Creates a vibrant, tangy tomato base that balances the creamy elements.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: Its ridged tubes are perfect for capturing every bit of sauce in each bite.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 5 oz package of Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and bold herbal flavor.
- Fresh grated parmesan, for serving: Adds a nutty, salty finish to elevate the dish.
- Dried or fresh parsley, for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and brightness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a Dutch oven over medium heat and cooking your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic. This step builds the foundational flavor by developing caramelized richness and infusing the oil with those savory notes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease, so your sauce isn’t too heavy.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These dry spices intensify the existing aromatics and bring that classic Italian flair, layering subtle herb and spice that make the sauce shine beyond the basics.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Broth
Pour in the spaghetti sauce, rigatoni pasta, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to mix those flavors and liquids thoroughly. Then bring your mixture to a gentle boil, preparing it for the simmer that will tenderize the pasta and let the sauce thicken beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Perfectly Cooked
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rigatoni will absorb the flavorful sauce while reaching the perfect al dente texture, soft but with a satisfying bite.
Step 5: Melt in the Boursin Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the Garlic and Herb Boursin cheese. Watch how it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to every rigatoni tube, intensifying the garlic-herb flavor and making the dish irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step is crucial—it brings out all the layers of flavor and balances the richness with a little seasoning spark.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe by sprinkling chopped fresh or dried parsley for color and freshness. Don’t forget the freshly grated parmesan to add that salty, nutty dimension on top. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Parsley is the perfect fresh garnish to brighten this rich dish visually and in flavor. A generous grating of parmesan cheese adds a beautiful finishing touch with its nutty, salty complexity that contrasts the silky sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy rigatoni with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, serve this recipe in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and fresh herbs. Or, layer the rigatoni in a casserole dish and broil just until the top is golden and bubbly for a fun baked twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy rigatoni in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by transferring portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing but will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep its creamy texture. Microwave reheating also works well when covered to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect due to its shape and ridges that hold the sauce, penne or ziti can be great alternatives with similar textures and cooking times.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to maintain heartiness and flavor depth.
Can I substitute the Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese is key for that creamy, herby flavor, but you can experiment with cream cheese combined with fresh garlic and herbs if necessary, though the texture and taste might differ slightly.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
You can use vegetable broth or even water, but broth adds an essential layer of savory flavor that helps elevate the entire dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is mild and creamy with herb and garlic notes—perfect for those who enjoy comforting Italian flavors without heat.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese Recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner—comforting, rich, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s one of those dishes that feels elegant but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I’m excited for you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple on your dinner rotation!
