Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring Boursin cheese, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 5 oz Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor works best)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons pasta cooking water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
Instructions
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions. During the last 3-4 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm gently. Stir in the Boursin cheese until melted.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. Combine them with the cheese sauce, using reserved water if needed to thin.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to fully coat the pasta.
- Serve promptly, garnishing with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, consider adding other vegetables like spinach or peas. Adjust spice levels by changing the amount of red pepper flakes.
