Creamy, cheesy pasta recipes are always crowd-pleasers, but this Boursin cheese-baked TikTok pasta is truly special. Taking the internet by storm, this baked penne recipe uses the unique flavor of Boursin garlic and herbs cheese to create the ultimate comfort food dish.

Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese hailing from France with a distinctive flavor of garlic, herb, and cream. Whipping Boursin cheese into a simple heavy cream sauce gives this pasta an ultra-rich and decadent flair that has made it go viral online.

If you are looking for an easy, delicious meal that will impress family and friends, this TikTok Boursin pasta needs to be your next dinner. Let's dive into how to make this viral sensation at home!

Ingredients

To make this viral TikTok Boursin cheese pasta recipe, you will need just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

• 1 (5.2 ounces) package of Boursin Garlic and Herbs cheese, at room temperature for spreading
• 1 pint (about 20-25) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 shallot, peeled and minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 fresh basil leaves, stacked, rolled, and sliced into thin ribbons
• 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 pound penne pasta
• Optional Toppings:
  • 8 ounces of baby bella mushrooms, rinsed, stemmed, and torn into bite-size pieces
  • 5 ounces baby spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry

This easy Boursin baked pasta uses just a few ingredients you likely have on hand. The star player is the Boursin cheese, which lends its signature creamy garlic and herb flavor.

Instructions

Step 1 - Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place an 8x12-inch oval or rectangular oven-safe baking dish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. This will help catch any bubbled-over cheese and tomatoes.

Step 2 - Arrange Boursin And Tomatoes In A Baking Dish

Open and unwrap the 5.2-ounce package of Boursin cheese. Use a rubber spatula to transfer and spread the soft cheese into the center of the prepared baking dish.

Surround the Boursin with a pint of cherry or grape tomatoes. If using grape tomatoes, leave them whole. For larger cherry tomatoes, slice them in half crosswise. Nestle the tomatoes attractively around the herb cheese.

Step 3 - Sprinkle On Aromatics

Sprinkle the minced shallot and garlic evenly over the cheese and tomatoes. Follow with the sliced basil ribbons, distributing them over the dish.

Step 4 - Drizzle Oil And Seasonings

Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a steady stream over everything. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.

Step 5 - Bake

Bake for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and burst slightly. The Boursin will melt into a creamy sauce.

Step 6 - Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the 1 pound of penne pasta and give it a good stir. Allow the pasta to cook for 8-10 minutes, testing frequently for doneness. You want the penne to be al dente, which means it is cooked through but still has a slight firm bite.

Drain the cooked pasta into a colander and give it a shake to remove excess water. Set aside.

Step 7 - Sauté Optional Mushroom Topping

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat if making the optional mushroom and spinach topping. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8 - Mix Pasta With Baked Toppings

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add hot drained pasta and toss carefully with the Boursin cheese and tomatoes until thoroughly combined. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Top with optional mushroom and spinach mixture. Finish with torn basil leaves. Serve warm.

Tips For Making Perfect Boursin Cheese Pasta Bake

• Choose the right pasta shape - Short tubular or twisted shapes like penne, fusilli, or Gemelli work best to hold the creamy sauce. Avoid long, thin pasta.
• Undercook the pasta slightly - The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so take it off the stove just before al dente. Starting with very al dente pasta prevents it from getting mushy when baked.
• Stir halfway through baking - Give the pasta a good stir halfway through the baking time to redistribute the sauce and prevent drying or burning on top.
• Play with herb combos - Try swapping out basil for oregano, thyme, or parsley. You can also add red pepper flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Mix vegetables - Add diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, or wilted spinach for extra nutrition.
• Add protein - Baked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage complement the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Toast the breadcrumbs - For crunch, toss panko breadcrumbs with oil and toast until golden before topping.

The Creamy, Cheesy Bousin Pasta Result

This viral pasta truly delivers an explosion of decadent flavors in every bite. The pasta bakes up with a divinely creamy texture thanks to the melted Boursin cheese sauce seeping into each nook and cranny. Each tubular piece of penne is cloaked in the velvety, luxurious cheese accented by fragrant herbs like basil and oregano.

The breadcrumb topping bakes up crispy and golden brown, providing a delicious contrasting crunch and texture against the soft noodles and gooey cheese. Bursts of garlic and lemon permeate the dish, mingling with the creaminess from the melted Boursin.

With the simple ingredients you likely have, this satisfying pasta comes together easily on busy weeknights.

Conclusion

This viral Boursin cheese pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for cheesy, creamy pasta lovers. Taking just 30 minutes to make, it's an easy weeknight dinner option that feels special. The unique flavor of Boursin herbed cheese transforms a basic pasta into something decadent. Every garlicky, creamy bite will have you going back for seconds.

Look no further than this cheesy, creamy viral Boursin pasta for a family-friendly meal that feels indulgent.