Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic favorite. With the rich flavor of Boursin cheese and a crunchy buttery breadcrumb topping, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
• 1 round Boursin cheese
• 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. Step 2: In the empty pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth with no clumps.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add the milk gradually until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen the mixture. Let it sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• To enhance flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in butter for a richer, crunchier topping.
• If you want extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or more Boursin cheese.
• Try adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for additional texture and taste.
• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. For best texture, add fresh breadcrumbs or a little cheese when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini works well as they hold the sauce nicely.

What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?

If Boursin isn’t available, cream cheese mixed with herbs or a soft herbed goat cheese can work as a flavorful alternative.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, flavorful Boursin cheese with classic white cheddar to create a rich and comforting pasta dish. Topped with golden toasted breadcrumbs for a perfect crunch, this mac and cheese is simple to prepare and ideal for a cozy meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pasta and cheese sauce:

• 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
• 1 round Boursin cheese (about 5.2 oz)
• 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. Save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In the empty pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and smooth with no clumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the entire round of Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the 1/2 cup milk until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy sauce. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or additional milk to loosen the sauce. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly. Gently fold the pasta to keep it intact and evenly coated.
4. Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the toasted breadcrumbs cool slightly. This butter-toasted breadcrumb topping adds rich flavor and crunch.
5. Serve: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting mac and cheese. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

• Saving some pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Butter-toasting the breadcrumbs adds a richer flavor and crunch to the topping.
• You can use any short pasta shape you prefer such as elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi.
• For a lighter version, you may substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a less creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the presentation and flavor if desired.

Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, stovetop mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping, comfort food