I Tried This Boursin Cheese Pasta Dish and It Will Blow Your Mind

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Have you ever had one of those nights where you can’t decide what you want to cook for dinner? You know you want to try something new and original, but as the chef and cleaning crew in your kitchen, you also don’t want to stray too far from the fundamental flavors and cooking techniques you already know. Recently, when I had one of these uninspired food riddles myself, I took to Instagram for ideas. While aimlessly scrolling through the endless sea of ​​cute kitten memes and videos, I came across this incredibly hypnotic post, which literally stopped me in my scroll tracks. Originally shared by digital creator Sheila Williams, also known as @shewillevolve on the ‘gram, the post features a cooking demonstration for a baked pasta dish using Boursin cheese to the catchy tunes of Artie Shaw & His Orchestra.

This recipe is a creative spin on TikTok’s viral baked feta cheese pasta recipe that was so popular it was allegedly responsible for triggering Finland’s feta cheese shortage in 2021. As Williams notes in her post , she also struggled to get it. hands over a block of feta cheese when she wanted to attempt to recreate the viral TikTok baked feta pasta recipe. However, she recalled that she was determined to find a way to enjoy this dish – feta or no feta. Proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention, she weighed alternative cheese choices that could potentially provide a similar texture to baked feta, ultimately settling on the bold and herbal garlic and herb Boursin cheese. creamy.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

“I researched what cheeses you could cook and get the same creamy texture,” Williams captioned in her Instagram post. “Options were feta, brie, goat cheese, and boursin. I chose Boursin because it had a garlicky, grassy flavor. I’m a GARLIC GIRL.”

I really liked the fact that this recipe requires minimal prep, very little cleanup, and can be made in about 30 minutes. But, if I can be honest, Williams got me at “GARLIC GIRL.” As a “garlic girl” who also knows her way around a cheese board, I knew I had to try this recipe for myself. I pulled out my baking dish and got to work!

Preparation of ingredients

This recipe calls for a few simple ingredients – here’s what I used:

• 1 can of Boursin (150g)
• 1 box of gluten-free fettuccini
• 2 tbsp. pre-minced garlic
• 20 oz. sweet cherry tomatoes and grapes
• 6 oz. fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 oz. fresh basil
• A pinch of parsley and red pepper flakes
• A pinch of pink Himalayan salt and fresh ground pepper
• A pinch of parsley and red pepper flakes

Some creative freedoms

Although Williams’ recipe was my main inspiration, I have to mention that I took some creative liberties when recreating this Boursin cheese pasta dish. For one, Williams’ recipe didn’t specify what kind of pasta you should use, and the pasta choices of those who tried to recreate TikTok’s traditional baked feta viral version tended to vary. So I opted for gluten-free fettuccine.

Instead of regular olive oil, I was able to get my hands on some white truffle flavored extra virgin olive oil, which I think would only enhance the flavors of this dish. Also, the only thing I love more than garlic is convenience. So instead of chopping fresh garlic from scratch, I used two tablespoons of pre-chopped garlic.

Also, I borrowed an idea from the old-fashioned baked feta pasta recipe, which was to incorporate fresh spinach and basil into the pasta. Fascinated by the prospect of using some of the leftover pasta water to improve the texture and taste of this dish, I thought the basil and spinach would add another tasty splash of color while also boosting the nutritional value. of this otherwise rather greasy dish.

Make your pasta dish in the Boursin oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°.
2. While waiting for your oven to heat up, fill the baking dish with the tomatoes and place your Boursin slice in the center.
3. Lightly drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese, then season with salt, pepper, parsley and red pepper flakes.
4. Bake uncovered until you notice the cheese starting to bubble and the tomatoes starting to burst (about 20-25 minutes).
   

   

5. While you’re waiting for your Boursin cheese and tomato sauce to cook, boil some water for the pasta – add a little salt and olive oil before it really starts to rumble.
6. Once the water comes to a boil, add your pasta – al dente is definitely recommended for this recipe, so cook no more than about 11 minutes (or whatever is best recommended for al dente on the pasta you have chosen.)
7. When your pasta is cooked, don’t drain all the water from the pasta; keep 1/4 to 1/2 cup cooking water in the pot. Add your spinach and fresh basil and gently mix them into your noodles with a wooden spoon. Once your leafy greens appear evenly distributed, place a lid on to allow the vegetables to continue to wilt.
8. When your Boursin cheese and tomato gratin is ready to go, gently mix the cheese with the tomatoes using a spoon.
9. Add the greens and pasta to the Sparkling Cheese Baking Pan and toss everything together using tongs or a wooden spoon.
10. Season to taste and sprinkle some Parmesan on top.