Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. With the rich, herb-infused Boursin cheese and crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, it offers a delightful texture and irresistible taste perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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 the pasta well, 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 all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the milk gradually until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece evenly. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra milk to loosen the sauce. Let it sit for a minute or two as it thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of 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.
5. Step 5: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy! For a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley if available.

Tips & Variations

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily without thinning flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish to add color and freshness.
• Substitute white cheddar with sharp cheddar or a blend for different flavor profiles.
• For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. The toasted breadcrumbs are best added fresh before serving, as they may lose crunch when stored.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well because they hold the sauce nicely.

Is Boursin cheese necessary for this recipe?

Boursin cheese adds a unique herby flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if needed.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 111 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring a luscious cheese sauce made from Boursin and white cheddar cheeses, combined with tender pasta and topped with rich, golden toasted breadcrumbs. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 round Boursin cheese (about 5 oz)
• 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
• 1/2 cup milk

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. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
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 flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to prevent lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and grated cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the milk gradually until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta pieces evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk. Let sit briefly to thicken slightly, folding gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
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 golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the creamy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously on top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Save some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Use mild or garlic & herb Boursin cheese for added flavor depth.
• To make the dish richer, substitute some milk with extra heavy cream.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make a great garnish for added brightness.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

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