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Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese is a luxurious one-pot pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines tender rigatoni, rich marinara sauce, and creamy Boursin cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household because it’s so versatile and satisfying. The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the hearty rigatoni, and the dish is incredibly easy to make. It’s a great way to elevate a simple pasta dinner into something special.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage): Adds richness and protein. Use Italian sausage for more flavor.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta: The star of the dish—rigatoni holds the sauce well.
- 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce/marinara: Forms the base of the sauce. Choose a high-quality marinara for best results.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and creates a flavorful sauce.
- 5 oz package garlic & herb Boursin cheese: Adds creaminess and a burst of flavor.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh grated Parmesan: For serving and additional cheesiness.
- Dried or fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness as a garnish.
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Creating Your Dish
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Season:
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Create the Sauce:
- Add spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and uncooked rigatoni. Stir well to combine.
- Cook:
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish:
- Stir in the Boursin cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.
This recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers. The combination of the creamy Boursin cheese and rich marinara sauce creates a luxurious texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s become a go-to dish in my home, and I’m sure it will in yours too!
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Creative Variations
- Protein Options: Use Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), ground turkey, ground chicken, or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: Swap Boursin for cream cheese with Italian herbs, add extra Parmesan, or mix in mozzarella for a stretchy texture.
- Pasta Options: Substitute rigatoni with penne, ziti, large shells, or fusilli—any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Add-Ins: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Storage Solutions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Use the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.
Creamy Rigatoni with Boursin Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or any similar tube-shaped pasta that will hold the sauce well.
- → What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?
- While Boursin gives the best flavor, you could use cream cheese mixed with Italian herbs and garlic as an alternative.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, you can skip the meat or replace it with mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- While best served fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- → Why cook the pasta in the sauce?
- Cooking the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb all the flavors while its starch helps create a creamy texture.