Description
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines rich Boursin cheese and white cheddar with a velvety cream sauce. Topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs, it’s an indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal.
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. Reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce 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 with no clumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the milk until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust for saltiness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece of pasta generously with the creamy sauce. For a looser consistency, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more milk. Let it sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly. Gently fold the pasta to avoid breaking it.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds rich flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy! Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Save some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Adjust salt to taste after tasting the cheese sauce as Boursin can be salty.
- Gently fold pasta into sauce to prevent breaking the pasta pieces.
- Toasted breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can add color and freshness when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, stovetop mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping
