Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and impressive? Look no further than this Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti. This recipe elevates the classic baked ziti with the luxurious addition of Boursin cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Forget bland pasta bakes; this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This isn’t just throwing ingredients together; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, the perfectly cooked ziti, the vibrant vegetables, and the creamy, herby Boursin cheese sauce all combine to create a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Boursin Magic:** Boursin cheese is the star of the show. Its creamy texture and herbaceous flavor infuse the entire dish with a delightful richness that you won’t find in traditional baked ziti.
* **Chicken Power:** Adding cooked chicken makes this a complete and satisfying meal. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even poached chicken for ultimate convenience.
* **Vegetable Boost:** We’ve packed in some veggies for extra flavor, nutrients, and color. Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spinach add a touch of freshness and balance the richness of the cheese.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or proteins. Swap out the chicken for sausage, add mushrooms, or use a different type of pasta.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Boursin chicken baked ziti:

* **1 pound ziti pasta:** Ziti is the classic choice for baked ziti, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or any other tube-shaped pasta.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the vegetables and preventing the pasta from sticking.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds flavor and sweetness to the sauce.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Essential for adding a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **1 bell pepper (any color), chopped:** Adds color, sweetness, and crunch.
* **1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry:** Adds nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
* **1.5 pounds cooked chicken, shredded or cubed:** Use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or poached chicken.
* **1 (15-ounce) jar marinara sauce:** Provides a tomato-based foundation for the sauce.
* **1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor recommended):** The star ingredient! Adds creaminess and herbaceous flavor.
* **1/2 cup heavy cream:** Enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese:** Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps the topping brown.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional):** Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** To season the dish to your liking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

**Why al dente?** Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial because it will continue to cook in the oven during the baking process. If you overcook the pasta initially, it will become mushy in the final dish.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

1. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Stir in the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat.

**Why squeeze the spinach dry?** Spinach retains a lot of water, which can make your sauce watery if you don’t squeeze it dry. Squeezing out the excess water ensures a thick and creamy sauce.

**Step 3: Prepare the Boursin Cheese Sauce**

1. In the same skillet with the vegetables, add the marinara sauce, Boursin cheese, and heavy cream.
2. Stir well until the Boursin cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Tips for melting the Boursin:** If the Boursin cheese is not melting easily, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help it along. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent the sauce from scorching.

**Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti**

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the cooked chicken, and the Boursin cheese sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

**Step 5: Bake the Ziti**

1. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
4. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese further, watching carefully to prevent burning.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh basil (if using).
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.
* **Use different cheese:** If you’re not a fan of Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, goat cheese, or ricotta cheese. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or beans for a vegetarian version.
* **Use different protein:** Substitute the chicken with sausage, ground beef, or shrimp.
* **Make it ahead:** Assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* A simple green salad
* Garlic bread or breadsticks
* Roasted vegetables
* A glass of your favorite wine

## Storage Instructions

* **To Store:** Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **To Reheat:** Reheat the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
* **To Freeze:** Freeze the baked ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti**

A comforting and flavorful baked ziti recipe featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy Boursin cheese sauce.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ziti pasta
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1.5 pounds cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
* 1 (15-ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs flavor recommended)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add marinara sauce, Boursin cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the Boursin cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the cooked chicken, and the Boursin cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat.
6. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese further, if desired.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil (if using).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the comforting warmth on a chilly evening, the joyous laughter shared around a table, and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious. With its creamy texture, herbaceous flavor, and customizable ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Bon appétit!

Enjoy this delightful Creamy Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti! This recipe is a sure way to impress your loved ones and elevate your dinner game. Happy cooking!