Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/easy-boursin-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/
