As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for dinner recipes that are quick, nutritious, and sure to please the whole family. Today, I want to share one of my go-to recipes that ticks all these boxes: Healthy Boursin Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and best of all, it’s super easy to make on any hectic weeknight.
Why Choose Healthy Boursin Chicken Pasta?
This dish combines the creamy luxury of Boursin cheese with chicken, a hearty lean protein, all tossed with pasta. It’s a balanced meal that offers protein, carbs, and a dose of vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for a family dinner.
Main Ingredients Breakdown:
• Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein that keeps us full and satisfied.
• Boursin Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor with herbs and garlic.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: A healthier alternative to regular pasta, providing extra fiber and nutrients. But any pasta you prefer works just fine.
• Spinach: Adds color, fiber, and plenty of vitamins for a nutritional boost.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of juiciness add freshness and a dose of antioxidants.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Directions for Boursin Chicken Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese until melted. Gradually add the milk while stirring until the sauce is smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
