Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
The Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This creamy pasta is bursting with flavors from the garlic and herb cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and savory sun-dried tomatoes. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Boursin cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates a deliciously creamy and savory dish.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable as an appetizer, main course, or side dish; great for various occasions.
- Easy Cleanup: One baking pan means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will lead to a more enjoyable cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Large pot
- Colander
- Spoon for stirring
Importance of Each Tool
- 13×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly distributing heat, allowing the cheese to soften while roasting the tomatoes.
- Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta; it ensures even boiling for perfectly al dente noodles.
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 (200°C). This step ensures that your cheese will melt perfectly when baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
In a 13×9-inch baking pan:
1. Stir together the sun-dried tomatoes in oil with the cherry tomatoes.
2. Push the tomatoes to one side of the pan.
3. Place both rounds of Boursin cheese in the center of the pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cheese and Tomatoes
Bake in the preheated oven until:
– The cheese has softened and started to melt.
– The tomatoes are roasted, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the cheese is baking:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add your choice of pasta, cooking until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside once done.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Remove the baking pan from the oven:
1. Immediately stir together the melted cheese with the roasted tomatoes and add in the spinach.
– The heat will wilt the spinach quickly.
Step 6: Mix in Pasta
Stir in your drained pasta until all ingredients are well-combined.
– Top generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Final Touches
Serve hot and enjoy this creamy delight! Remember to give it a star rating below if you try this recipe!
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delicious dish that can be served in various ways. It pairs well with a range of accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes add a refreshing touch that balances the creamy pasta.
Add Some Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Tender grilled chicken breast on top provides extra protein and a satisfying texture.
- Shrimp Skewers: Marinated shrimp cooked on skewers offer a flavorful seafood option alongside the pasta.
Offer Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up cheesy goodness.
- Focaccia: Soft focaccia drizzled with olive oil enhances the meal experience.
Consider Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay: A chilled Chardonnay brings out the flavors of the dish beautifully.
- Pinot Noir: This light-bodied red wine pairs nicely without overpowering the cheese.
How to Perfect Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
To achieve the best results with your Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta, consider these helpful tips for perfecting this delightful dish.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and good-quality Boursin cheese for maximum flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures it holds its shape and texture when combined with the cheese and tomatoes.
- Don’t skip preheating: Preheating your oven helps to roast the tomatoes perfectly, enhancing their sweetness.
- Mix while hot: Combine the cheese, tomatoes, and spinach immediately after baking to ensure everything melds beautifully together.
- Experiment with herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your pasta while it’s warm for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta is a versatile main dish that can be accompanied by various sides. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted in garlic provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: These roasted sprouts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a classic side that pleases everyone.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates an appealing sharing option.
- Ratatouille: This vegetable medley adds color and flavor while being healthy and satisfying.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains or meat give an extra layer of taste to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach.
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Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
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Not salting the pasta water: Use enough salt in the boiling water. This is your chance to flavor the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall dish.
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Overcooking the pasta: Remember to cook your pasta al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooked is better.
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Ignoring the order of ingredients: Combine ingredients as instructed. Mixing spinach with hot cheese ensures it wilts properly for better flavor and texture.
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Using cold ingredients: Make sure your Boursin cheese is at room temperature before baking. It will melt more evenly, creating a creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and heat gently in a pan, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach.
Can I use other types of cheese?
You can certainly substitute other creamy cheeses if you prefer! Cream cheese or goat cheese can work well too.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. You could also try different herbs for varied flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish holds up well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just store it properly as mentioned earlier.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. These sides complement its creamy texture wonderfully!
Final Thoughts
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Spinach is a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. Its creamy richness combined with vibrant veggies makes it both appealing and versatile. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices for a personal touch!
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, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of Boursin cheese with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this comforting pasta bake is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant colors and savory flavors make it an irresistible choice for cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike. In just 30 minutes, you can indulge in this delightful dish that promises to satisfy your cravings while leaving you with minimal cleanup.
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 of choice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 13×9-inch baking pan, combine sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes on one side, placing both rounds of Boursin cheese in the center.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and tomatoes roast.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Stir melted cheese with roasted tomatoes and add spinach until wilted.
- Combine with pasta, then top with grated Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
