If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that feels like it took hours to make, then this 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Combining velvety, herb-infused Boursin cheese with a rich marinara sauce and perfectly silky spaghetti, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes but tastes like a gourmet delight. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile, making it an absolute kitchen win any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three ingredients may seem humble, but each one plays a starring role. The spaghetti provides the perfect platform for all the flavors, the marinara sauce delivers a vibrant, tangy base, and the Boursin cheese adds irresistible creaminess and aromatic herbs that elevate this dish beyond anything ordinary.
- Spaghetti: Choose a good-quality brand because the pasta is the heart of the dish; cooking it al dente ensures perfect texture.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara brings fresh tomato flavor and a saucy base that clings beautifully to the noodles.
- Boursin Cheese (Garlic and Fine Herbs or Basil and Chive flavor): This soft, herbed cheese melts smoothly and adds an indulgent, garlicky richness that makes the sauce uniquely creamy.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente bite. The salt enhances flavor, and the slightly firm texture helps the pasta hold up beautifully when tossed with the sauce.
Step 2: Warm the Marinara Sauce
While the pasta cooks, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Warming it gently brings out its rich, fresh tomato taste and sets the stage for the cheese to blend in seamlessly.
Step 3: Add the Boursin Cheese
Once the marinara is warm, add the Boursin cheese. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces so it melts evenly throughout the sauce, creating a creamy blend with herbal notes that make every bite special.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
When your pasta is cooked al dente, use tongs or a pasta fork to lift it directly from the water into the sauce, letting excess water drip off. This step ensures the noodles are perfectly coated in the luscious sauce without becoming watery. Toss well to combine and season with more salt if needed.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final flourish to this dish is easy and makes it feel even more inviting. Toss on some fresh basil leaves or sprinkle a little cracked black pepper for freshness and a subtle kick. For a little extra texture, toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan cheese can also be divine.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main event but also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or some garlic bread for dipping into that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini, add welcome color and nutrients without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve this pasta family-style in a big, beautiful bowl so everyone can dig in. Want to dress it up? Twirl the pasta into little nests on each plate and top with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil. Either way, it looks as good as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep in mind that the sauce thickens as it cools, so it might need a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, but since it contains cheese and a fresh tomato sauce, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a little water, broth, or extra marinara to keep it saucy and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to bring it back to that luscious, creamy perfection you first fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for this recipe, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is Boursin cheese essential?
Boursin cheese is what gives this recipe its signature creamy, herby flavor, but if you don’t have it, a soft cream cheese blended with fresh herbs can be a workable substitute, although the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is naturally mild, focused more on creamy and herbal flavors. If you want a little heat, you can always add red pepper flakes when warming the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, you could try a vegan cream cheese alternative with herbs and use a dairy-free marinara. The texture and flavor will differ, but it can still be tasty and satisfying.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Choosing a quality marinara sauce with a good balance of acidity and sweetness makes a big difference. Homemade or premium jars without too many preservatives or added sugars work best here.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and effortlessly delicious about the 3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe that makes it a staple for busy nights or last-minute meals. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you get a creamy, herbaceous sauce clinging to perfect pasta strands that will have you coming back for seconds every time. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will feel like a little secret dish you want to keep sharing with everyone you know.
Print
3-Ingredient Tomato and Boursin Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and delicious 3-ingredient pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy and flavorful sauce made from marinara and Boursin cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe balances simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
Sauce
- 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 generously salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, but do not drain the pasta water.
- Heat the marinara sauce: While the pasta is cooking, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat until it starts to bubble lightly.
- Add and melt the Boursin cheese: Add the Boursin cheese to the marinara in the skillet and use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and stir continuously until the cheese has melted and combined smoothly with the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Using a pasta fork or tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the skillet with the sauce, allowing excess water to drain off before adding it. Toss the pasta gently to evenly coat it with the creamy sauce.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and add extra salt if needed. Serve the pasta warm as a satisfying side dish or a light entree.
Notes
- Do not drain the pasta water before transferring it to the sauce; the slight moisture helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use flavored Boursin cheese varieties like Garlic and Fine Herbs or Basil and Chive for the best taste.
- Adjust the salt according to your taste, especially if the marinara sauce is already salty.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
