Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. With rich cheese sauce and buttery toasted breadcrumbs, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that feels a little special.

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 package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, saving 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 flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth with no clumps.
3. Step 3: 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 cheeses melt and sauce is creamy. If the sauce gets 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 and stir well to coat every piece. For a looser sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly.
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. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh touch if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency easily if it thickens too much.
• Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add color and brightness to the rich dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need a gluten-free version.

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 reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

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 cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs for a similar flavor, or try other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta combined with seasonings.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short, tubular pasta like macaroni, shells, or penne work well because they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite shape.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese by incorporating rich Boursin cheese and white cheddar into a velvety sauce. Topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this comforting pasta dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 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 roux)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Cook 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 the pasta well, saving a small amount of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Make 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 without clumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add the 1/2 cup milk gradually to achieve a smooth and velvety consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece with the creamy sauce thoroughly. If desired, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit more milk to loosen the mixture slightly. Allow the pasta to sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly. Gently fold the pasta so it stays intact.
4. Toast 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. This step adds a rich flavor and crunchy texture to the topping.
5. Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously on top. Serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

• Save some pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Use white cheddar for a mild sharpness that complements the Boursin cheese.
• Toasted breadcrumbs enhance texture and add buttery flavor—don’t skip this step.
• Fresh herbs like parsley add a fresh, vibrant note if desired.
• Adjust salt to taste after adding cheese, as cheeses already contain salt.

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