Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. Using Boursin cheese brings a delicious herby flavor that elevates the dish without any fuss. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or whenever you crave cozy pasta.

The dish is a baked pasta casserole in a white oval dish, filled with creamy, cooked rotini pasta that is pale yellow with a smooth texture. The top layer is covered with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust that looks crispy, with small green herb sprinkles scattered evenly across for color contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: 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 well, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Set pasta aside.
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 lumps.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until cheeses melt and sauce is creamy.
Step 4: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add milk until you reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece. Add reserved pasta water or more milk if a looser sauce is desired. Let the mixture sit a minute to thicken slightly.
Step 6: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously on top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Save some pasta water when draining to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.
Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
Fresh herbs like thyme or chives work well as a garnish if you don’t have parsley.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. The breadcrumb topping is best added fresh to maintain its crunch.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with creamy baked rotini pasta layered with a smooth, light beige cheese sauce evenly covering the noodles. The top layer is a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust sprinkled with small green herb bits, giving a crunchy texture. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth partially visible under one side. The overall look is warm and inviting, showing a mix of creamy and crunchy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well as it holds the creamy sauce nicely.

Is Boursin cheese essential for the flavor?

Boursin adds a unique herby creaminess, but you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if needed, though the flavor will be slightly different.