Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy twist on the classic comfort food, featuring the smooth, herb-infused flavors of Boursin cheese combined with white cheddar. The dish is topped with golden, buttery toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch. Perfect for a cozy meal, it is quick to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
- 1 round Boursin cheese (about 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 (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
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. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
- 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 for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth with no clumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce turns creamy. If too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk gradually to reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk to loosen the mixture. Let sit for a couple of minutes allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Fold gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- 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 adds rich flavor and crunch to the dish.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the creamy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated white cheddar for best melt and flavor.
- Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter gives a richer flavor and satisfying crunch.
- You can substitute short pasta types like shells, elbow macaroni, or cavatappi.
- Fresh herbs like parsley add a nice touch of freshness and color.
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy cheese sauce, buttery breadcrumbs topping, stovetop mac and cheese, comfort food pasta
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/easy-boursin-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
