Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite, featuring the rich flavors of Boursin cheese and white cheddar combined in a luscious sauce, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
- 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 instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later if needed.
- 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 without any lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the entire round of Boursin cheese and the grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the 1/2 cup of milk gradually until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure every piece is coated generously. If desired, loosen the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water or additional milk. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly, folding gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- 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, for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy, comforting mac and cheese!
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use gentle folding when mixing pasta with sauce to keep pasta intact.
- Buttering and toasting the breadcrumbs adds a rich flavor and extra crunch.
- Feel free to substitute pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni based on preference.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley make a great garnish for added freshness and color.
Keywords: Boursin Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy comfort food, cheesy pasta recipe, stovetop mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping