Creamy Boursin Pasta with Italian Sausage

Introduction:

This Sausage Boursin Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and the rich, herby Boursin cheese create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti or linguine. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend meal!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 4 oz (115 g) Boursin Garlic & Herb cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. Cook Sausage:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
4. Make Creamy Sauce:
   Reduce heat to low and add the Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and creamy. Add cream or reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Combine:
   Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss until well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Divide pasta among plates. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips

• For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the Boursin cheese.
• You can swap mushrooms for spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a variation.
• Use spicy Italian sausage for a little kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni also work well.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables.
3. Is Boursin cheese essential?
   It’s what gives the signature creamy herby flavor, but you can substitute cream cheese with garlic and herb seasoning.
4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
   You can prep the sausage and vegetables in advance, but combine with pasta just before serving for best texture.
5. How can I make it lighter?
   Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and choose turkey sausage.