Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 | Calories: 655 per serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package soft French cheese, such as Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the grated pecorino Romano cheese and breadcrumbs. Set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until tender with a bite, about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of pasta water for later use.
4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses are melted and all ingredients are well combined.
7. Add the drained ziti to the chicken mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with the reserved pasta water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the pecorino and breadcrumb mixture over the top.
9. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	655
Total Fat	49g
Saturated Fat	29g
Cholesterol	174mg
Sodium	507mg
Total Carbohydrate	30g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	25g
Vitamin C	17mg
Calcium	443mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	539mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti

Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is a modern twist on traditional Italian-American pasta casseroles, blending classic baked ziti with the creamy, herb-infused Boursin cheese. The dish emerged in the late 20th century as home cooks began experimenting with gourmet cheeses to elevate comfort foods. Boursin, originally created in Normandy, France, in the 1950s by Franois Boursin, is a soft, spreadable cheese flavored with garlic and fine herbs. Combining it with baked ziti, which itself has roots in Southern Italian cuisine, created a rich and decadent casserole that quickly gained popularity in the United States.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

While Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is primarily associated with American home cooking, it carries subtle influences from Italian-American culinary traditions, particularly those found in the Northeastern United States. In some regions, cooks substitute spinach with kale or arugula for added texture, while others add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to enhance color and flavor. In the Southern U.S., variations sometimes include smoked chicken or even a touch of hot sauce for a spicier profile. Despite these adaptations, the creamy Boursin-based sauce remains the defining element.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Dishes

This dish stands out from other baked pasta recipes primarily because of the Boursin cheese, which provides a creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy flavor that is absent in traditional ricotta or mozzarella-based casseroles. Unlike a classic Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti, which relies on heavy cream and Parmesan, the Boursin sauce incorporates both creaminess and a herbaceous punch, creating a layered taste experience. Its combination of tender chicken, spinach, and baked ziti makes it a unique alternative to more conventional pasta bakes.

Typical Serving Contexts

Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti is typically served as a hearty main course, often accompanied by a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread. It is popular at family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings due to its simplicity and wide appeal. The dish is also versatile enough for weeknight meals, as it can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it a convenient yet indulgent option for busy households.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of Boursin cheese and pasta was not traditional in France, making this an inventive American adaptation of French ingredients.
• Boursins original marketing emphasized its spreadability on bread, but home cooks quickly discovered its potential in hot dishes and casseroles.
• Many chefs recommend using leftover cooked chicken for this recipe, highlighting its efficiency in minimizing food waste.
• The dish can be easily customized for dietary preferences, such as substituting gluten-free pasta or using light cream, without compromising flavor.
• Despite its richness, it balances flavors well due to the freshness of spinach and the slight tang of pecorino Romano sprinkled on top.

FAQ about Boursin Chicken Baked Ziti Recipe

Comments