Print

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food favorite. Using silky Boursin cheese combined with sharp white cheddar, heavy cream, and a buttery homemade breadcrumb topping, this dish delivers a rich, velvety texture and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal, it’s simple to prepare yet impressively delicious.

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

  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 instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later use if needed.
  2. 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 pour in the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the full round of Boursin cheese and the grated white cheddar, stirring gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, gradually add up to 1/2 cup of milk to reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust saltiness if needed.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly. For a looser sauce, add reserved pasta water or more milk as desired. Let the mixture rest for a minute or two to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring carefully to keep the pasta intact.
  4. 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 golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds a rich flavor and crunchy texture.
  5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the coated pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Serve the mac and cheese hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.

Notes

  • Saving some pasta water is helpful for loosening the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Gently folding the pasta into the sauce helps keep the pasta from breaking apart.
  • Toasted breadcrumbs add a delicious buttered crunch that complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
  • Fresh parsley or herbs can be added for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
  • This recipe serves 4 and can be doubled easily for larger groups.
  • Use good quality Boursin cheese for the best creamy, herb-infused flavor.

Keywords: Boursin Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, stovetop mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food pasta