Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese. Featuring a luscious blend of Boursin cheese, white cheddar, and a smooth cream sauce, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s both rich in flavor and simple to prepare.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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 well and set aside, reserving a little 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 for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to prevent lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, add the milk gradually until velvety. Taste and adjust saltiness.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water or extra milk. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly, folding gently to keep pasta intact.
- Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously on top. Serve hot and enjoy. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve a little pasta water when cooking pasta to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use any short pasta shape you prefer such as macaroni, shells, or small penne.
- To enhance flavor, lightly toast the breadcrumbs in butter for a rich, crunchy topping.
- Adjust salt according to taste, as Boursin cheese can be flavorful on its own.
- For a fresher presentation, add chopped parsley or your favorite fresh herbs before serving.
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, quick pasta meals