Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese brings a rich, creamy twist to a classic comfort food. With the smooth flavors of Boursin cheese and white cheddar combined, it’s a perfect cozy meal for any day of the week.

A close-up of a white oval baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese made with spiral rotini pasta. The pasta is coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce, forming the first layer. On top, there is a thick covering of golden brown toasted breadcrumbs, sprinkled evenly with small green herb pieces. Some breadcrumb clusters are darker and crispier, providing a textured contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth partially visible to the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
  • 4 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 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 all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and smooth with no clumps.
  3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk gradually until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk to loosen the sauce. Let the mixture sit a minute to thicken slightly, folding gently to keep pasta intact.
  5. Step 5: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of 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.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use short pasta shapes like shells or macaroni for best sauce coverage.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Mix in cooked vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

An oval white ceramic dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese made with spiral pasta, covered with a thick layer of golden brown toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled with small green herb bits. The pasta beneath is a pale yellow color, fully coated in melted cheese sauce, visible around the edges where it meets the crispy breadcrumb topping. There are small areas where the breadcrumbs are darker, showing slight charring for texture contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some breadcrumbs spilled on the marble nearby, and a beige cloth napkin partially under the dish on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with another soft, creamy cheese such as cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the cheese sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine and reheat gently before serving, then toast the breadcrumbs fresh just before plating for the best texture.

Print
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Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A rich and creamy twist on classic mac and cheese featuring flavorful Boursin cheese combined with white cheddar, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy finish. This easy-to-make comfort food recipe delivers a luscious texture and savory depth in under 30 minutes.


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

  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 the pasta is cooked, drain it 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 to combine and prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add the milk, about 1/2 cup, until you reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust for saltiness.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta from Step 1 to the cheese sauce. Stir well to make sure every piece of pasta is generously coated in the creamy sauce. If you’d like the mixture looser, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more milk. Let it sit for a minute or two, as the sauce will thicken slightly while cooling. Gently fold the pasta to avoid breaking it apart.
  4. Toast the Breadcrumbs: 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 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The toasted breadcrumbs add rich flavor and crunch.
  5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta. For added freshness and color, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Use pasta shapes like macaroni or shells to hold the sauce well.
  • Toasting breadcrumbs in butter enhances flavor and adds crunch.
  • Adjust salt to taste after melting the cheeses as Boursin and cheddar can be salty.
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley make a nice garnish but are optional.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Comfort Food, Pasta, Quick & Easy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

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