Creamy Boursin Pasta with Chicken Recipe

A Little Story About Bow Ties

I love using farfalle pasta. Those little bow tie shapes always make me smile. They hold onto the creamy sauce so well. Every bite is full of flavor.

My grandson once called them “butterfly noodles.” I still laugh at that. It’s a good reminder that cooking should be fun. What’s your favorite pasta shape to cook with?

Getting Your Chicken Just Right

Let’s talk about the chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. A hot pan gives it a nice, golden color. That color means big flavor.

Don’t be scared to let it get a little brown. Those bits left in the pan are flavor gold. We will use them for the sauce. This matters because it makes a simple dish taste special.

The Magic of the Sauce

This is my favorite part. You melt the Boursin cheese into the pasta water. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It becomes so smooth and creamy.

You are making a fancy sauce without any hard work. Fun fact: Boursin cheese was created in France back in 1957. I think that’s so neat. Have you ever cooked with it before?

Why This Meal Brings People Together

I made this for my book club last month. Everyone asked for the recipe. It’s that kind of meal. It feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Sharing a good meal does more than fill your belly. It connects you. This matters. It’s how we show people we care. What was the last meal you shared that made you happy?

Putting It All Together

Now, toss everything together in that beautiful sauce. See how the bow ties and chicken get coated? Add a little more pasta water if it’s too thick.

The final touch is fresh parsley and parmesan. The green and white look so pretty. It makes the whole dish pop. This last step matters because we eat with our eyes first.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
dry farfalle noodles	1 lb
olive oil	2 Tablespoons
boneless, skinless chicken tenders	1.5 lbs
butter	2 Tablespoons
shallot	1	diced
Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese	2 (5 oz) packages	cut into pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper	to taste
freshly grated parmesan cheese	1/2 cup	for garnish
fresh chopped parsley	1/4 cup	for garnish

A Cozy Pasta Night, Just Like Nonna Used to Make

I have always loved the sound of farfalle boiling on the stove. Those little bow-tie noodles just dance in the pot. They remind me of my granddaughter’s fancy dress. This recipe feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a long day.

It is so simple to make something special. We use a wonderful cheese called Boursin. It is soft and full of garlic and herbs. It melts into the most amazing creamy sauce. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let me walk you through it.

• Step 1: First, get your pasta water boiling. Add a good pinch of salt to the water. It should taste like the sea. Cook your bow-tie noodles just until they are tender. Save a cup of that starchy water before you drain them. You will see why soon.
• Step 2: Now, let’s cook our chicken. Season it well with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a big skillet. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. (A hard-learned tip: let the chicken rest before you chop it. This keeps all the yummy juices inside!).
• Step 3: For the magic sauce, melt butter in that same pan. Toss in your diced shallot. It will smell so good. Pour in that saved pasta water. Use your spoon to scrape up all the tasty brown bits from the chicken. Now, whisk in the Boursin cheese until it is silky smooth.
• Step 4: Finally, bring it all together. Add your cooked pasta and chopped chicken right into the sauce. Give everything a gentle toss. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more pasta water. Finish it with a shower of parmesan and fresh parsley. Do you prefer parsley or basil on your pasta? Share below!

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta

Three Fun Twists for Your Table

This recipe is like a favorite story. You can tell it a little differently each time. I love getting creative with what I have in the fridge. It makes cooking such a fun adventure.

• Mushroom Magic: Skip the chicken and use sliced mushrooms instead. They get so meaty and delicious. Perfect for a meat-free Monday.
• Summer Garden: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach and some cherry tomatoes at the end. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach beautifully.
• A Little Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives the creamy pasta a nice, warm little buzz. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Making Your Meal Shine

Presentation is part of the joy of cooking. I always serve this pasta in my big, wide pasta bowls. It just feels more special that way. A simple side can make the whole meal sing.

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the pasta. Some warm, crusty bread is also a must. You will want to wipe up every last bit of that sauce.

For a drink, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully. For the kids, or for me on most nights, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is just right. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Creamy Pasta Perfect

This creamy pasta makes wonderful leftovers. Let it cool completely first. Then store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days.

You can freeze it for a busy night. I use a freezer-safe bag. I once forgot to label it. I had a mystery meal for a month! Now I always write the date.

Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk or water. This brings the sauce back to life. Batch cooking saves you time on a tough day.

It means a good meal is always close. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Pasta Problems

Is your sauce too thick? Do not worry. Just add a little reserved pasta water. This thins the sauce perfectly. It also helps it stick to the noodles.

I remember when my sauce was like glue. A little hot water fixed it right up. Getting this right makes your dish feel restaurant-quality.

Is your chicken dry? You might have cooked it too long. Use a thermometer to check for 165 degrees. This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe.

Not enough flavor? Remember to salt your pasta water. It should taste like the sea. This is the secret to tasty pasta. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pasta Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce will taste just as creamy.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can cook the chicken and noodles a day early. Keep them separate in the fridge.

Q: What if I do not have shallots? A: A small onion works great too. It will still taste wonderful.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a very large pot for the pasta. You will have plenty for everyone.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: Try some fresh spinach. It wilts right into the warm sauce. Which tip will you try first?

Fun fact: Farfalle pasta is called “bow-tie” pasta because of its shape!

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy recipe. It always makes my kitchen smell amazing. Cooking for people is an act of love.

I would be so happy to see your creation. Share a picture of your finished dish. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.