Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. This recipe uses rich Boursin cheese to create a smooth sauce, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

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 (divided)
• 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 small amount of 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 lumps.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, 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 needed, loosen the mixture with reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly, folding gently to keep the pasta intact.
5. Step 5: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the plain 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 fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish.
• For extra richness, swap half of the milk with cream.
• Try using a mix of cheeses, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, to vary flavor and texture.
• Gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs can be used to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Breadcrumb topping is best added fresh before serving to keep it crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, elbow macaroni, or penne works well for this dish. Choose your favorite for the best texture.

What if I don’t have Boursin cheese?

If Boursin isn’t available, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs to mimic the flavor profile.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 310 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe features a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce made with rich Boursin cheese and sharp white cheddar, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with toasted buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. This comforting dish is quick to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for a cozy meal.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)

Cheese Sauce

• 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 (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Breadcrumb Topping

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for breadcrumbs)

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. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
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 flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth with no lumps. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. Add milk gradually if the sauce is too thick and season with salt to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly while stirring gently to keep the pasta intact.
4. Prepare the 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 golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted buttery breadcrumbs generously over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Save a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
• Toasted breadcrumbs add texture and richer flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley for an optional garnish to brighten the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute milk for heavy cream and reduce butter amounts, though this will impact creaminess.
• This recipe works well with any short pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

Keywords: boursin mac and cheese, creamy pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, comfort food, easy mac and cheese