There’s an unmistakable joy that comes with a quick and satisfying dinner after a long day, especially when it’s as delightful as this Creamy Steak and Boursin Pasta. The moment I first paired tender slices of steak with a luscious Boursin cheese sauce, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. As the rich aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen, you can almost see the stress of the day melting away.
In just 25 minutes, you’ll whip up a dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly indulgent. With al dente pasta enveloped in a creamy sauce and complemented by fresh spinach and vibrant cherry tomatoes, this meal is not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes as well. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or simply satisfy a hungry family, this quick and easy recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into this culinary magic!
Why You’ll Love Steak and Boursin Pasta
Quick Dinner Solution: Perfectly suited for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes.
Indulgent Flavor: The creamy Boursin cheese creates a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with tender steak.
Vibrant Ingredients: Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes not only add color but also nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: It’s a dish that is sure to impress both family and guests alike, offering gourmet taste without the fuss.
Versatile Options: Feel free to switch out the steak for chicken or veggies, accommodating any dietary preferences you might have.
Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal!
Steak and Boursin Pasta Ingredients
• Everything you need for a creamy feast!
- For the Pasta
- Pasta – 8 ounces; your base for a delightful meal—fettuccine or penne works well as alternatives.
- For the Protein
- Steak – 1 pound (sirloin or ribeye, sliced thinly); this hearty addition brings a satisfying element to the dish—if you’d like, chicken or shrimp make perfect replacements.
- For Sautéing
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons; used for sautéing the ingredients, adding a silky richness—canola or avocado oil is a lighter option.
- For Flavor
- Garlic – 3 cloves (minced); elevates the taste with aromatic depth—fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- For Freshness
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup (halved); these add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the dish—standard diced tomatoes are a fine substitute if you’re in a pinch.
- Spinach – 1 cup (fresh); brings vibrant color and essential nutrients—kale or arugula can also be used for variety.
- For Creaminess
- Boursin Cheese – 8 ounces (garlic and herb flavor); it creates that indulgent sauce, enhancing the overall flavor—cream cheese mixed with herbs is a good alternative.
- For the Sauce
- Beef Broth – 1/2 cup (or reserved pasta cooking water); this helps form a silky smooth sauce—vegetable broth can lighten it up if needed.
- Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper – to taste; crucial for enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
- For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley – chopped; adds a touch of freshness—basil or chives can be delightful alternatives too.
Dive into this delightful Steak and Boursin Pasta, and savor every creamy, savory bite!
How to Make Steak and Boursin Pasta
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Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, then add 8 ounces of pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; it should have a slight bite to it.
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Reserve and Drain: Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for sautéing.
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Sear the Steak: Add 1 pound of thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until browned and nicely caramelized.
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Set Aside Steak: Remove the browned steak from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the sauce.
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Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and bursting.
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Add Spinach: Toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until it wilts and brightens in color.
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Incorporate Boursin Cheese: Reduce the heat, then add 8 ounces of Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the reserved pasta water or 1/2 cup of beef broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth, silky sauce.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the luscious cheese sauce.
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Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed; taste to ensure the flavors are just right.
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Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish and added color.
Optional: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Steak and Boursin Pasta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the steak and sauté the garlic with the cherry tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their flavors. The fresh spinach can also be chopped ahead of time, maintaining its vibrant color if stored separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and veggies in a skillet, then proceed with adding the cooked pasta, Boursin cheese, and broth. This approach saves you valuable time on busy weeknights while ensuring your dish is just as delicious and creamy!
What to Serve with Steak and Boursin Pasta?
A well-paired meal elevates the pleasures of dining, turning a delicious dish into a memorable experience.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly crispy and buttery, this classic side is ideal for scooping up any leftover creamy sauce. You can never go wrong with the comforting warmth of garlic bread!
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta, adding a crisp contrast that brightens the meal. Consider including juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers for a delightful harmony.
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Roasted Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lightly seasoned enhances the dish with earthy flavors. Its vibrant green pairing mirrors the spinach in the pasta, making the entire plate visually appealing.
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Red Wine: A smooth glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can deepen the meal’s experience, complementing the flavors of the steak beautifully. The richness of the wine echoes the creaminess of the pasta, creating a delightful balance.
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Chocolate Mousse: End your dining experience on a sweet note with a rich, airy dessert. The lightness of the mousse serves as a lovely contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta, making it the perfect way to crown the meal.
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Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, lemon sorbet is a brilliant way to end a hearty dinner. Its bright, zesty taste is the perfect follow-up to the indulgence of the pasta, leaving a pleasant finish.
Variations & Substitutions for Steak and Boursin Pasta
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to suit your tastes with these delightful twists!
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Chicken Substitute: Swap out the steak for 1 pound of diced chicken breasts for a lighter, leaner protein option. It pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and makes a fantastic family meal.
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace the steak with an assortment of sautéed vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, to create a veggie-packed version that’s bursting with flavor.
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Cheese Alternatives: Try using goat cheese or feta instead of Boursin for a tangy twist that adds a unique touch to the sauce. You’ll get a wonderful flavor profile with just a simple change.
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Spicy Kick: Add some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños along with the garlic, giving this dish a zesty flavor explosion that spice lovers will appreciate.
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Pasta Variety: Instead of traditional pasta, switch it up with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary preferences while still enjoying a hearty dish.
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Extra Greens: Boost nutrition by throwing in a cup of broccoli florets or peas during the last few minutes of cooking, adding both color and health benefits to your dish.
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Herb Infusion: Change the freshness by using different herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can replace parsley in the garnish to impart a delightful new aromatic experience in every bite.
Let your culinary flair shine as you craft your own version of this delectable Steak and Boursin Pasta!
Expert Tips for Steak and Boursin Pasta
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Perfect Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture and hold up in the creamy sauce; undercooked pasta can become mushy.
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Steak Searing: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak; this will help achieve a nice caramelization and ensure even cooking for your Steak and Boursin Pasta.
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Boursin Cheese Prep: Let the Boursin cheese soften at room temperature for easier melting; this prevents clumps in your creamy sauce and ensures smoothness.
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Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water or broth; a splash too much can make it watery, so add gradually until perfect.
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Freshness Boost: For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving; it enhances the creamy richness and lifts the overall dish.
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Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the fresh parsley; it not only adds a pop of color to your Steak and Boursin Pasta but also brightens the flavor, giving it that restaurant-quality touch.
How to Store and Freeze Steak and Boursin Pasta
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Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving Steak and Boursin Pasta out at room temperature for more than 2 hours as it contains perishable ingredients.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the creamy sauce.
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Freezer: If you need to freeze the dish, portion it out in airtight containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding more broth if necessary to restore creaminess.
Steak and Boursin Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta works best for Steak and Boursin Pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, I recommend fettuccine or penne, as they both hold the creamy sauce quite well. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, keeping in mind the cooking times may vary slightly.
How should I store leftovers of Steak and Boursin Pasta?
Very importantly, store your leftovers in an airtight container within the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them on the stove with a splash of broth or water to help loosen that delicious creamy sauce.
Can I freeze Steak and Boursin Pasta?
Absolutely! If you’d like to freeze the dish, portion the pasta into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. For reheating, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stove, adding more broth as needed for creaminess.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick when reheating?
If you encounter a too-thick sauce, that’s an easy fix! Just add a little reserved pasta cooking water or broth slowly while reheating, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It’s all about finding that perfect balance again!
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
The more the merrier! For dietary considerations, feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp for a different flavor profile. Also, if you want to make it vegetarian, you can swap the meat entirely for diced vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Just ensure your Boursin cheese is gluten-free if there’s a gluten sensitivity.
How can I tell if my steak is cooked properly?
Cook the steak until it is nicely browned on the outside, usually about 3-4 minutes per side for thin slices. A meat thermometer is a fabulous tool for checking: it should read around 145°F for medium-rare. For visual cues, the steak should be browned and slightly firm to the touch; if it’s really soft, it’s likely undercooked.
Steak and Boursin Pasta: Quick Comfort in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water, then add 8 ounces of pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 pound of thinly sliced steak to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Remove the browned steak from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
- In the same skillet, sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
- Reduce the heat, then add 8 ounces of Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water or 1/2 cup of beef broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Return the cooked steak and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Plate the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.