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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
