Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, comforting twist on the classic dish using rich Boursin cheese and white cheddar, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it combines smooth, velvety cheese sauce with tender pasta for an indulgent yet simple dinner.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
- Make the roux and 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, about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth with no lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk gradually to reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece. If you prefer a looser texture, add reserved pasta water or more milk. Let sit a couple minutes as the sauce thickens slightly. Fold gently to avoid breaking pasta.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble and serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toasting breadcrumbs in butter adds a rich flavor and crunchy texture.
- Boursin cheese adds a garlicky, herby twist to traditional mac and cheese.
- You can substitute other short pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy cheese sauce, cheesy pasta recipe, comfort food, stovetop mac and cheese