Introduction

This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining the rich, herby Boursin cheese with sharp white cheddar creates a luscious sauce that coats tender pasta perfectly. Finished with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, it’s a simple yet indulgent meal for any night.

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese being lifted with a gold-colored fork, showing a thick layer of melted cheese stretching between the spoonful and the dish underneath. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer is soft, spiraled pasta coated with smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce, and the top layer is a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust scattered with small green herb pieces. The macaroni dish is in a white dish with a slightly visible rim, placed on a white marbled surface. 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 the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Set pasta aside.
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 bubbly and smooth with no lumps. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking to combine. Add the Boursin cheese and grated white cheddar, stirring gently until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk gradually to reach a smooth, velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If desired, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk to loosen the sauce. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two as the sauce thickens slightly. Fold gently to keep pasta intact.
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 let cool slightly.
Step 5: Transfer the cheesy pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy immediately. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
Try substituting the white cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a different flavor profile.
For a crispy baked topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs and cheese on top, then broil briefly until golden.
Add cooked vegetables like peas or spinach to boost nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers 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 restore creaminess if needed. Breadcrumb topping is best added fresh to maintain its crunch.

How to Serve

A close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish served on a round white plate with a reddish-brown rim. The macaroni pieces are thick and coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce. On top, there is a golden-brown, crispy breadcrumb layer with small green herb bits scattered throughout. Some crumbs fall around the edges of the macaroni mound. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background showing a white dish and a white cloth. The cheese looks rich and gooey, while the crumbs appear crunchy. 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 elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi work best as they hold the sauce well. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Is Boursin cheese necessary for this recipe?

Boursin adds a distinctive herby creaminess, but you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs if needed. The dish will still be delicious but slightly different in flavor.