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Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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