If you are craving something comforting yet incredibly simple, this Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s all about creamy garlic-infused Boursin cheese melting into savory chicken sausage and tangy marinara, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with just four ingredients coming together to create a luxurious, satisfying dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick pasta fix without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only four ingredients stand between you and a bowl of this rich and flavorful pasta. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture, keeping the dish balanced and satisfying without overwhelming complexity.
- Rigatoni pasta: Its hollow tubes are perfect for trapping the creamy sauce, giving each bite a deliciously saucy finish.
- Chicken sausage: Adds a savory, protein-packed element with just the right amount of spice and heartiness.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: This is the star that melts into a luscious, garlicky sauce with hints of fresh herbs.
- Jarred marinara sauce: Provides a bright, tangy tomato base to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage.
How to Make Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by slicing or crumbling your chicken sausage and browning it in a skillet over medium heat. Cooking it thoroughly will develop that deep, savory flavor and provide a meaty foundation for the sauce. Make sure to stir occasionally so the sausage cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Melt the Boursin Cheese
Once the sausage is cooked through, lower the heat and add the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese directly into the skillet. Stir it as it melts to create a rich, creamy base that will beautifully coat the pasta later on. The garlic and herbs in the cheese add a fantastic depth of flavor without any extra effort.
Step 3: Combine the Marinara Sauce
Next, pour the jarred marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage and melted Boursin. Stir everything together gently until fully incorporated. This blends the tangy tomato sauce with the creamy, herbaceous cheese mixture and savory sausage, forming a harmonious sauce with a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Serve Over Cooked Rigatoni
Meanwhile, get your rigatoni boiling in salted water until al dente—firm to the bite but tender. Once drained, simply plate your pasta and generously ladle the sauce over it. This final step ensures each rigatoni tube catches the creamy sauce, delivering maximum flavor with every forkful.
How to Serve Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A few red pepper flakes add a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can also bring an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a slightly nutty accent.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the sauce. For something warm, garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are excellent for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great complements, adding freshness and a nice crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a few whole basil leaves. You can even turn this into a family-style feast by placing the skillet directly on the table for everyone to help themselves, making the meal feel casual yet inviting and heartwarming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the texture of the sauce may thicken or the pasta can absorb some liquid, so a splash of water or broth when reheating will help restore creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for longer, this pasta freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little water, broth, or olive oil as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave for best results, but if you use it, heat in short bursts and stir in between to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken sausage keeps it lighter, you can substitute with pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage depending on your preference. Just be sure to cook it fully before adding the cheese and sauce.
Is Boursin cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Boursin is key for that creamy texture and signature garlic-herb flavor. However, if unavailable, you could try cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and fresh herbs, though the taste and consistency will differ slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies on Boursin cheese, which contains dairy. To make a dairy-free version, look for a plant-based herb cheese alternative and ensure your marinara and sausage are dairy-free as well. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but can still be delicious.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni is perfect because its ridges and hollow center trap the sauce beautifully. However, penne or ziti are great alternatives that also hold onto the creamy sauce well.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is generally mild with a gentle herbaceous kick from the Boursin, but no heat unless you add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage. It’s friendly for those who prefer their pasta comforting rather than fiery.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s both effortless and bursting with flavor, and this Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself to a creamy, garlicky pasta dinner with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a fast favorite in your cooking repertoire!
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Easy 4-Ingredient Boursin Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This easy 4-ingredient Boursin sausage pasta is a quick and creamy dish that combines tender rigatoni pasta with flavorful chicken sausage, rich Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, and classic marinara sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal for those craving comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Sausage
- 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
- 14 oz chicken sausage
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken sausage pieces until they are fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the sausage is cooked evenly by turning occasionally.
- Melt Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir continually until the cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Combine Sauce: Pour the jarred marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage and melted cheese. Stir to combine thoroughly, allowing the sauce to heat through for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve Pasta: Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and serve it topped generously with the creamy Boursin and sausage marinara sauce.
Notes
- Use chicken sausage with your preferred seasoning for a customized flavor.
- To save time, cook the pasta while preparing the sauce to have everything ready simultaneously.
- Boursin cheese can be replaced with a similar creamy herbed cheese if unavailable.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with only 4 main ingredients.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when browning the sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
