Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring a luscious cheese sauce made with Boursin and white cheddar, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving rich, cheesy comfort food.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
- 1 round Boursin cheese (about 5 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
- 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 well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening 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 bubbly and smooth without lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and the grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the milk gradually until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust saltiness as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat each piece thoroughly. For a looser texture, add some reserved pasta water or a bit more milk. Allow the mixture to rest for a couple of minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Gently fold the pasta to avoid breaking it.
- Prepare the 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 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously creamy, crunchy mac and cheese.
Notes
- Reserve a little pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated white cheddar for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Toasted breadcrumbs add a rich, buttery crunch; do not skip this step.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and milk.
- Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise but are optional.
Keywords: boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, buttery breadcrumbs