If you are craving a comfort food classic that comes together in a flash, you will absolutely love this 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients that pack serious flavor, combining rich marinara, creamy Boursin cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook, this pasta recipe will quickly become a beloved go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three ingredients are all you need to make a vibrant and creamy pasta dish that tastes like you spent hours preparing it. Each component plays its own role in elevating the final flavor, making this recipe surprisingly impressive given its simplicity.
- Spaghetti: Your pasta base, ideal for absorbing sauce and providing the perfect bite.
- Marinara sauce: A rich and tangy tomato foundation that adds color and depth to the dish.
- Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Fine Herbs or Basil and Chive): This creamy, flavorful cheese melts into the sauce for a luscious, herb-infused finish.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. The salted water season the pasta from within, making each bite flavorful even before the sauce is added. Be careful not to overcook; you want your noodles firm but tender.
Step 2: Warm the Marinara Sauce
While the pasta cooks, pour your marinara sauce into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until it’s nicely warmed through. Warming the sauce gently helps to deepen the flavors and sets the stage for the creamy addition that comes next.
Step 3: Add the Boursin Cheese
Once your marinara is hot, add the entire package of Boursin cheese. Use a spoon to break it up as it melts, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce infused with garlic and herbs. This step transforms the simple tomato sauce into something outrageously delicious and silky.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
When your spaghetti reaches al dente, use tongs or a pasta fork to transfer it directly from the pot to your skillet, allowing any excess pasta water to drain back into the pot. Toss the pasta gently in the creamy tomato sauce until every strand is coated. If needed, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors perfectly. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate this dish to something special. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and vibrant green color. A few twists of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil also complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is hearty and packed with flavor, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light caprese salad also make lovely companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, twirl portions of pasta onto individual plates using a fork and spoon, creating beautiful nests of noodles coated in that luscious sauce. You could even serve it in pretty bowls topped with a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or an edible flower for a pop of color that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer your pasta into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce maintains its creamy texture nicely, making it a reliable meal for the next day.
Freezing
This 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up if it has thickened. Alternatively, use the microwave in short increments, stirring frequently to ensure even heating without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you love, such as penne, fusilli, or linguine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
If Boursin isn’t available, look for a similar creamy, herbed cheese like a garlic and herb cream cheese or a soft goat cheese blended with herbs. The key is that soft, creamy texture that melts smoothly into the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it an easy, satisfying dinner option if you don’t eat meat.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu can be wonderful additions if you want to make the meal more substantial. Just cook your protein separately and toss it in with the pasta at the end.
How spicy is the dish?
This pasta is mild and creamy with savory herb notes from the Boursin cheese. If you want a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it warms up works perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on the plate, the 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick, simple, and downright delicious. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and easy 3-ingredient pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from marinara and Boursin cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines simple pantry staples to create a delicious, comforting meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Fine Herbs or Basil and Chive flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water, cooking it until it is al dente but do not drain the water completely.
- Heat the marinara sauce: While the pasta cooks, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat until hot.
- Add and melt the Boursin cheese: Add the Boursin cheese to the warmed marinara sauce and use a spoon to break it up. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Once the pasta is al dente, use a pasta fork or tongs to transfer it directly from the water into the skillet with the sauce, letting any excess water drain off. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce, and add additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm as either a satisfying entree or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Be sure not to drain all the pasta water completely—some moisture helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- You can customize the flavor by choosing your favorite Boursin cheese variety.
- For a richer flavor, garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make it gluten free.
