If you’ve scrolled through social media recently, you’ve likely come across the viral sensation that is feta pasta. The creamy, tangy, and comforting dish captured hearts worldwide, offering a simple yet indulgent way to elevate any dinner table. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this already irresistible dish to the next level? Enter Feta Pasta with Boursin Cheese.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this upgraded feta pasta dish at home, from choosing the best ingredients to the final garnishes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to impressing guests at your next gathering.
What is Feta Pasta?
Feta pasta first gained widespread attention during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when Finnish food blogger, Jenni Häyrinen, shared her version of the dish on social media. The concept is simple: bake a block of feta cheese with olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, then toss it with cooked pasta for a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy dish that’s both comforting and fresh. The brilliance of this dish lies in its minimal ingredients and the hands-off nature of the cooking process — all you need is one pan and a little time in the oven.
While the original recipe quickly became a viral hit, many foodies and home cooks have since experimented with the dish by adding their own twists. One such twist is incorporating Boursin cheese — a creamy, herb-infused cheese that pairs beautifully with feta, offering a deeper, richer flavor profile. In this blog, we’ll show you how to incorporate Boursin into the dish and how it enhances the creaminess and flavor of the final pasta dish.
Why Add Boursin to Feta Pasta?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why Boursin cheese is such a great addition to feta pasta. Here are a few reasons why it works wonders:
- Creaminess: Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese that adds an extra layer of creaminess to the sauce, giving it a lush and velvety texture. When combined with the baked feta, it creates a luxurious mouthfeel that’s both rich and comforting.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Boursin is known for its fresh, garlicky, and herbaceous flavor profile. It typically contains ingredients like garlic, parsley, and chives, which enhance the overall taste of the dish, making it more complex and satisfying.
- Balance: While feta brings a tangy, salty punch to the dish, Boursin adds a mild, creamy richness that balances out the sharpness of the feta. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that complements the pasta beautifully.
- Versatility: Boursin comes in a variety of flavors — such as garlic and herbs, shallot and chive, or even a lighter, lower-fat option. You can choose the variety that best suits your taste and elevate the dish even further.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Feta Pasta with Boursin Cheese
This recipe doesn’t require any unusual or hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make Feta Pasta with Boursin Cheese:
Main Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese – A block of good-quality feta cheese is essential. It’s important to use block feta rather than crumbled, as it holds its shape better during baking and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Boursin Cheese – A small log (about 4 ounces) of Boursin cheese will do the trick. Choose the classic garlic and herb flavor for the most balanced outcome.
- Pasta – You can use any type of pasta you like, but penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni work particularly well. The ridges or tubular shapes help hold onto the sauce better.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and slight acidity to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Olive Oil – A high-quality olive oil is key to drizzling over the feta and tomatoes before baking, infusing everything with a silky texture.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth and flavor to the dish. You’ll need a few cloves, finely chopped or minced.
- Herbs – Fresh basil or parsley is perfect for garnishing the dish and adds a pop of color. You could also add a pinch of dried oregano or thyme if you want to enhance the herbal undertones.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, of course. The feta and Boursin already bring a lot of flavor, so adjust the seasoning carefully.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – If you like a little heat in your dishes, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the sauce.
Equipment:
- Oven-safe baking dish (9×13 or similar size)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large spoon or spatula for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander for draining pasta
How to Make Feta Pasta with Boursin Cheese
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make the magic happen. The recipe comes together quickly, and the results are guaranteed to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Feta
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes. If you’re using fresh garlic, mince or finely chop it and scatter it over the tomatoes and feta. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil over the whole dish — this helps to infuse the flavors while baking and prevents everything from drying out.
Step 2: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and slightly soft. The tomatoes should burst open, releasing their juices and turning into a juicy, flavorful sauce. This process is what makes the feta pasta so deliciously creamy. During baking, the feta will melt, and the tomatoes will break down into a rich, sauce-like consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy pasta water will help to thin out the sauce and make it cling to the noodles better.
Step 4: Add the Boursin Cheese
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. At this point, add the Boursin cheese to the dish, breaking it up with a spoon and mixing it into the melted feta and tomato sauce. Stir the mixture until everything is creamy and well-combined. If the sauce seems a little thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta directly to the baking dish with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure every noodle is coated in the creamy, flavorful mixture. If you like your pasta a little saucier, feel free to add more pasta water to loosen things up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish the dish, sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a touch of freshness. If you want a little extra flavor, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes can add some zing. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful richness of the feta and Boursin cheese sauce.
Tips for Perfect Feta Pasta with Boursin Cheese
- Use high-quality feta: Feta cheese varies in quality. Look for a good-quality, Greek-style feta that’s packed in brine for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different flavors of Boursin: While garlic and herb Boursin is a classic, you can try other varieties, such as shallot and chive or even the light version, for a slightly different taste.
- Add protein: If you want to make this dish more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits on top.
- Make it a one-pan wonder: If you don’t want to dirty too many dishes, consider cooking the pasta in the same baking dish as the feta and tomatoes. Just make sure to add enough water to the dish so the pasta cooks properly.
- Save leftovers: This pasta dish is even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, and it’s a fantastic meal prep option.
Conclusion
Feta pasta with Boursin cheese is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The combination of tangy feta, creamy Boursin, and roasted tomatoes creates a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
So next time you crave a pasta dish that’s both easy and indulgent, give this recipe a try — it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
