Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

There's no denying it: Boursin Cheese is having a moment this summer, and its all thanks to TikTok. Videos of home cooks making baked Boursin Lemon Pasta have amassed millions of views on the social media app, with many creators praising the dish for its one-pot simplicity and fresh flavors. Boursin, which is the brand name for a French style of cheese called Gournay cheese, is known for its creamy texture and garlicky flavor. It hails from Northern France, where it first gained popularity in the early '60s. Today, Boursin is a household name, and its versatility has made it a popular choice among cooks and creators on social media. Now the cheese is behind a viral pasta trend that calls to mind another baked cheese pasta that we still make to this day.

How To Make Baked Boursin Lemon Pasta

The Lemon Boursin Pasta is simple to make, and requires only a handful of ingredients. Start with a package of Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese, a few lemons, a head of garlic, a shallot, and some pasta (we recommend paccheri or rotini.) Pull some dried oregano, black pepper, and olive oil from your pantry and youre ready to go.

Youll want to cook your pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. While its cooking, all of the other ingredients go into a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes. When the roasted lemon-and-cheese goodness is ready, simply squeeze and discard the lemons and mix everything together to form the easiest cheesy pasta sauce ever. Then it's as easy as tossing your cooked pasta in the sauce and serving.

Ingredients

• 1 5.2 ounce package of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 medium shallot, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound dried pasta of your choice, cooked according to package instructions
• Lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
3. Unwrap the Boursin cheese and place it in the center of an 8x8-inch baking dish.
4. Cut the top off the garlic to expose the cloves and place it in the dish, clove-side-up.
5. Add the lemon halves, face down, and shallot to the dish.
6. Sprinkle with black pepper and oregano, then drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
9. Using your hands or a handheld lemon press, squeeze the juice from the roasted lemon halves into the dish, making sure no seeds get into the dish.
10. Squeeze the roasted garlic head to release the cloves into the dish.
11. Mix all of the contents of the baking dish together until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
12. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir to coat.
13. Serve topped with fresh lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 467
• Total Fat: 12g (15% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (25% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 23mg (8% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 165mg (7% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 77g (28% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (25% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 18g (35% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 76mg (84% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 243mg (19% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 488mg (10% Daily Value)

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

History and Origin

The Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta, a viral recipe widely popularized through social media platforms like TikTok, features the rich and creamy Boursin cheese. This cheese, originating from Northern France, is a type of Gournay cheese, renowned for its blend of creamy texture and garlic-herb flavor. Created in the early 1960s by Franois Boursin, it quickly became a household staple due to its versatility in cooking and pairing with a variety of dishes.

The dish itself is a modern creation that brings together simple ingredients, including lemon, garlic, and Boursin cheese, baked together to form a creamy, zesty sauce for pasta. The concept of mixing roasted ingredients into a pasta sauce is not new, but the use of Boursin cheese adds a luxurious touch to an otherwise basic dish. Today, it stands as a perfect example of how modern home cooking can draw inspiration from classic French ingredients and the convenience of social media trends.

Regional Characteristics

While Boursin cheese hails from Northern France, the Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta has become a popular dish across the United States, particularly during the summer months. The use of lemon gives it a fresh, bright flavor, while the creamy Boursin cheese balances the acidity, creating a deliciously indulgent yet refreshing meal. The combination of roasted garlic, shallots, and herbs complements the cheese's flavors and elevates this dish from a simple pasta to a standout dinner.

Though the dish is typically associated with American home kitchens, the Mediterranean influence is apparent in the use of olive oil, oregano, and lemon, which are common in many Mediterranean cuisines. This fusion of French cheese with Mediterranean ingredients showcases a delightful blend of regional tastes and cooking traditions.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

The Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta stands out from other baked pasta dishes due to its distinctive use of Boursin cheese. While many baked pasta recipes rely on mozzarella, ricotta, or Parmesan, Boursins creamy, herb-infused flavor creates a unique twist on the typical cheese-based pasta sauce. The lemon not only adds a tangy brightness but also cuts through the richness of the cheese, making it a lighter option compared to heavier cream-based pasta bakes.

Additionally, the roasting of garlic, lemon, and shallots before mixing them into the sauce creates a depth of flavor that you wouldn't find in simpler pasta dishes. This contrasts with traditional baked macaroni and cheese, which tends to have a more straightforward, cheesy profile. The result is a modern, trendy dish that has sparked the imagination of home cooks everywhere.

Where Its Usually Served

Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta is a versatile dish that works perfectly for a variety of occasions. Its commonly served as a comforting weeknight dinner, especially in households looking for a quick and flavorful meal. The dish is also a popular choice for gatherings or casual family dinners, offering both simplicity and sophistication.

In restaurants and cafes, particularly those focusing on contemporary American or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this dish can often be found as a part of the pasta or vegetarian sections of the menu. Its creamy texture and fresh lemon flavor make it an appealing option for those seeking a balance between indulgence and lightness.

Interesting Facts

The Baked Lemon Boursin Pasta gained viral status in large part thanks to TikTok, where users raved about its simplicity and the ease with which it can be prepared. Videos showcasing the dish have garnered millions of views, making it one of the standout recipes of the year. Its an excellent example of how social media has reshaped home cooking, turning a few simple ingredients into a culinary trend.

One of the key ingredients, Boursin cheese, has been around since the 1960s but has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to its frequent use in viral recipes like this one. Another interesting tidbit: the roasted garlic and lemon technique is common in Mediterranean cooking, but roasting these ingredients with Boursin cheese creates an entirely new flavor experience. This dish also exemplifies the growing trend of lazy gourmet meals that require minimal effort but deliver big on taste.

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