Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. Rich Boursin cheese combined with white cheddar creates a luscious sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

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 (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. 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 bit of pasta water, and set aside.
2. 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 for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add the milk gradually until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly. If the mixture feels too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water or a little more milk. Let sit for a minute as the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of 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.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add cooked vegetables like peas or spinach for a nutritious boost.
• Substitute the plain breadcrumbs with panko for an even crunchier topping.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese 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 toasted breadcrumbs are best added fresh when serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other creamy cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese combined with cheddar for a similar richness. Boursin adds a unique herbaceous flavor, but substitutes still yield delicious results.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based pasta, a dairy-free cream substitute, vegan cream cheese, and vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can help mimic the cheesy flavor.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 147 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring a rich cheese sauce made with Boursin and white cheddar cheeses. Topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a perfect crunchy finish, it’s an ideal quick and satisfying meal that elevates classic mac and cheese with elegant, herby flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pasta and cheese sauce:

• 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
• 1 round Boursin cheese (approximately 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
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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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. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later use if needed.
2. Create the Roux and 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 with no lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, gradually add up to 1/2 cup of milk to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
3. Toss Pasta in Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more milk. Let it sit for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as it cools.
4. Prepare Toasted 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, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This buttery toasting adds a rich flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
5. Assemble and Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Serve hot and enjoy! Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Saving some pasta water helps loosen the sauce without affecting its flavor.
• Use freshly grated white cheddar for best melting and flavor.
• Optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley for color and brightness.
• Ensure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) well to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunchy texture but can be omitted for a smoother mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, Boursin cheese, creamy pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, comfort food, breadcrumb topping