Dinner

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByLily Cross January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. The rich Boursin cheese combined with white cheddar creates a luscious sauce that coats tender pasta perfectly. This recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cheesy cravings.

A close-up view of a white oval baking dish filled with creamy rotini pasta covered with a golden brown breadcrumb topping. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce, while the crunchy topping is unevenly browned with a mix of dark golden and light crispy spots. Small sprinkles of green herbs are scattered on the surface, adding a touch of color. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth partially visible to the side. 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
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)

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. Once cooked, drain the pasta 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 the mixture is bubbly and smooth with no clumps.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine and prevent lumps. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the milk until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat each piece thoroughly. For a looser sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly. Fold gently to keep the pasta intact.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly on top. Serve hot and enjoy! For added freshness and color, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a fresh flavor contrast.
For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with additional heavy cream.
Try different short pasta shapes such as cavatappi or rigatoni for a fun variation.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure your breadcrumbs contain no added animal products.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white oval dish filled with creamy pasta, featuring spiral-shaped noodles covered in a rich, light yellow cheese sauce. The top layer is golden brown breadcrumbs that look crispy and slightly toasted, sprinkled unevenly across the dish with small bits of green herbs scattered on top. The edges reveal the creamy sauce mingling with the pasta beneath the crunchy topping. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with part of a pale beige cloth visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with a soft, flavored cream cheese or goat cheese to maintain a creamy texture and add a similar tangy flavor.

Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it before adding the breadcrumb topping. Toast the breadcrumbs fresh before serving to keep them crunchy.