If ever there was a frugal meal idea for dinner, this is it! I know you may have seen the viral baked pasta made with Boursin cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil, and this is the recipe for it.
In this pasta dish I did all my shopping at Aldi and was able to keep the bill under $12.00.
This did not include the olive oil and spices I already have in my pantry.
That being said, this Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta with Aldi ingredients is truly delicious, budget-friendly, and a dinner idea totally worth trying.
I promise you will not regret it. I mean seriously, who doesn’t love making a flavorful meal that doesn’t cost a lot, especially with food prices on the rise.
And with Aldi’s organic section, you get quality ingredients that are actually healthy for you– which is a win-win in my book.
Why You’ll Love Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta
Easy dinner for busy weeknights – My-oh-my, there sure is nothing better than being able to get a healthy dinner ready and on the table in under 30 minutes.
This oven-baked pasta dish is a dinner-time favorite, especially for busy weeknights when I’m trying to get a tasty meal put together fast!
Versatile – There are so many ways to enjoy this baked pasta dish. Want more protein? Add cubed chicken, smoked sausage, or Italian sausage.
Can be made gluten-free – This recipe is gluten-free except for the pasta. To make it completely gluten-free, simply sub the pasta for a gluten-free variation like brown rice quinoa pasta. Just be sure to check all package labels for GF certification.
Bursting with flavor – Oven roasted tomatoes burst with flavor and make the most delicious sauce for this baked Boursin cheese pasta.
Mess-free and super easy – All you do is combine ingredients in one pan and let the oven do the rest. Then boil water for pasta and viola dinner is served.
Ingredients Needed
I make this recipe with brown rice/quinoa pasta, but you can make it with regular penne pasta or your favorite noodle. tomatoes, and spinach is ready in 30 minutes and way healthier than other pasta recipes made with heavy whipping cream.
- Grape Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Spices
- Boursin Cheese
- Small Red Onion
- Spinach
- Reserved Pasta water
- Pasta
- Grated Parmesean Cheese
Grape Tomatoes – or cherry tomatoes work in this recipe.
Spices – All you need is a pinch of Italian seasoning, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Olive Oil – Use your favorite brand or try avocado oil.
Boursin Cheese – with fine garlic and herbs is my go-to. Feta cheese, and cream cheese are also good substitutes.
Pasta – I used brown rice/quinoa penne pasta. However, you can use any pasta you like. Cooking time may vary depending on what kind of pasta you decide on.
Follow the directions on the back of the box for the exact time.
Spinach – Adds a nutritional boost and complements this dish.
Also try; broccoli, squash, zucchini, and fresh basil.
How to Make Aldi Baked Boursin Pasta
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place tomatoes into baking dish, generously drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Stir to coat.
- Add sliced onions over the tomatoes and place Boursin cheese in the center.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until tomatoes are softened and cheese is melted.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. When pasta is finished, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain noodles.
- When tomatoes are tender and cheese is melted use a fork to mash tomatoes. Be careful, tomatoes burst and the juice is hot!
- Add spinach immediately while the tomato sauce is hot so it wilts. If necessary, return to oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce. Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat with the sauce. If sauce needs to be thinned out, add the remaining pasta water.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or spices, as preferred.
- Garnish Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta – with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Serve pasta with salad, garlic bread, or baguette bread. Enjoy!
More Recipes with Boursin Cheese
Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta
Viral Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta is a creamy, pasta dish bursting with flavor. This easy Italian recipe is ready in 30 minutes, makes a great weeknight dinner, and tastes amazing.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon course black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 (5.3 ounce) package Bourisn Garlic & Herb Cheese
- 3 cups spinach, chopped about 3 ounces
- 1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta, cooked
- 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place tomatoes into baking dish, generously drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Stir to coat.
- Add sliced onions over the tomatoes and place Boursin cheese in the center.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until tomatoes are softened and cheese is melted.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. When pasta is finished, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain noodles.
- When tomatoes are tender and cheese is melted use a fork to mash tomatoes. Be careful, tomatoes burst and the juice is hot!
- Add spinach immediately while the tomato sauce is hot so it wilts. If necessary, return to oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce. Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat with the sauce. If sauce needs to be thinned out, add the remaining pasta water.
- Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, or spices, as preferred.
- Garnish Baked Boursin Cheese Pasta - with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Serve pasta with salad, garlic bread, or baguette bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta may be substituted with another version like brown rice/quinoa pasta
- If you like your pasta sauce thick don't add pasta water.
- Still have reserved pasta water on hand because once pasta sits in the sauce pasta absorbs majority of the sauce.
- I added 1/4 cup pasta water right when serving and another 1/4 cup before storing leftovers in the fridge.
- Pasta was even better the next day with the perfect amount of sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 39.1mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1.4gSugar: .8gProtein: 1.5g