Description
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy Boursin and white cheddar cheeses for a rich and comforting pasta dish. With a velvety cheese sauce and a crunchy toasted breadcrumb topping, it’s a quick and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or cozy comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the pasta and cheese sauce:
- 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
- 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 to loosen the sauce if needed 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 without lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until cheeses melt and sauce turns creamy. If too thick, add milk gradually to reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked, drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir carefully ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it sit a minute or two to thicken slightly. Gently fold the pasta to avoid breaking.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the plain breadcrumbs and cook while stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This butter-toasted breadcrumb topping adds rich flavor and crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Adjust salt after cheese is melted as Boursin and cheddar already provide saltiness.
- Gently folding pasta with sauce prevents breaking the pasta shells or macaroni.
- Butter-toasted breadcrumbs add a delicious crunchy texture complementing the creamy pasta.
- Optional fresh herbs like parsley add a fresh burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- 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, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, quick pasta recipe, cheesy pasta
