Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. The rich, herby Boursin cheese blends perfectly with white cheddar for a luscious sauce, topped with crispy buttery breadcrumbs for added texture. It’s a quick and satisfying meal anyone can enjoy.

A close-up view of creamy rotini pasta covered in a thick white sauce with visible small black pepper and herb specks, showing the sauce clinging to the spiraled shapes. The creamy sauce is smooth and rich, coating the light yellow pasta evenly. A wooden spoon lifts a portion of the pasta, capturing the texture and details of both the pasta and sauce. The pasta sits in a white bowl against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
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, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the Boursin cheese and white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and the sauce is creamy. If too thick, add milk gradually to reach a velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If desired, loosen the mixture with reserved pasta water or a bit more milk. Let it rest for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of 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 cool slightly.
Step 5: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting mac and cheese. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color.

Tips & Variations

Save a bit of pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency later without thinning flavor.
For a sharper taste, try substituting half the white cheddar with aged cheddar or gruyere.
To add a smoky twist, mix in some cooked bacon or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for brightness.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore creaminess. The breadcrumb topping is best added fresh before serving to retain its crunch.

How to Serve

A white plate with a brown rim holds a serving of short spiral pasta coated in a thick, creamy white sauce with visible small green herb specks. The pasta is topped with a layer of light brown, crumbly crumbs sprinkled unevenly across the surface and some crumbs scattered on the plate. The dish is set on a white marbled texture surface with another plate of the same food blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or cavatappi work best as they hold the sauce well. Feel free to choose your favorite.

What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or use another creamy, flavorful soft cheese to mimic Boursin’s taste and texture.

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe offers a rich and creamy twist on a classic comfort food. Combining the herbaceous and creamy Boursin cheese with sharp white cheddar creates a velvety cheese sauce that perfectly coats tender pasta. Finished with golden toasted buttered breadcrumbs for added crunch, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful, ideal for a cozy meal.

Author: Tara
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
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 cooked, drain the pasta well, reserving a little pasta water, and set 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 all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth. 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 melt into a creamy sauce. If too thick, add milk gradually until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece generously. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly. Fold gently to keep the pasta intact.
Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to develop a rich buttery crunch.
Finish and Serve: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
Use a gentle folding technique when mixing pasta and sauce to prevent breaking the pasta.
Toasted buttered breadcrumbs add great texture and flavor contrast.
Fresh herbs like parsley can add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Ensure cheeses melt fully before serving for optimal creaminess.

Keywords: boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, stovetop macaroni and cheese, comforting pasta dish, buttery breadcrumbs topping