What the heck is this?
Let’s talk about grown-up mac and cheese that still hits all your childhood nostalgia buttons. This Boursin Mac and Cheese is what happens when your classic creamy pasta gets a serious flavor glow-up. We’re talking about rich, velvety cheese sauce loaded with garlicky herb-packed Boursin cheese, a splash of cream, and a bit of sharp cheddar for balance. It’s luxurious without being fussy, and totally weeknight-friendly. Serve it as a main with a crisp salad, or as a show-stealing side dish that’ll have people asking for the recipe before the meal’s over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-creamy and luscious without needing a roux
The Boursin does all the heavy flavor lifting (thanks garlic + herbs)
Comes together in about 25 minutes start to finish
Fancy-feeling but made with grocery store staples
Perfect for solo dinners, date nights, or feeding a picky crowd
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Mac & Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, or whatever shape makes you happy)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small shallot, minced (optional, but adds depth)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is classic here)
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins or Toppings:
Chopped fresh parsley
Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
Crumbled bacon or crispy prosciutto
A few dashes of hot sauce or smoked paprika
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Don’t overcook — you want it to hold up to the sauce.
Step 2: Start the Flavor Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, not browned.
Step 3: Make That Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Boursin and let it melt completely into the cream, stirring until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat every curve and nook. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Keep it on low heat for a minute or two to make sure everything’s warmed through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Serve right away, topped with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, or bacon if you’re feeling extra. You can also pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the top — totally optional, totally worth it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette
Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a full-on comfort meal
Turn it into a mac and cheese bar with fun toppings for a dinner party
Switch It Up
Use Boursin Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper flavors for a twist
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to sneak in some veg
Use gluten-free pasta if needed — the sauce works with anything
For extra kick, melt in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or swirl in hot sauce
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make this a few hours ahead and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Not ideal for freezing, since the sauce can separate, but it’s so good you probably won’t have any left to freeze anyway.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Sure, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Whole milk is your best bet if swapping.
Q: Is it okay to use a different cheese?
A: Totally. Try Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella for something a little different, but keep the Boursin — that’s the flavor bomb.
Q: Can I bake this?
A: Yes! Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Boursin Mac and Cheese: The Creamiest Upgrade to Your Favorite Comfort Food (No Lie)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Let’s talk about grown-up mac and cheese that still hits all your childhood nostalgia buttons. This Boursin Mac and Cheese is what happens when your classic creamy pasta gets a serious flavor glow-up. We’re talking about rich, velvety cheese sauce loaded with garlicky herb-packed Boursin cheese, a splash of cream, and a bit of sharp cheddar for balance. It’s luxurious without being fussy, and totally weeknight-friendly. Serve it as a main with a crisp salad, or as a show-stealing side dish that’ll have people asking for the recipe before the meal’s over.
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, or whatever shape makes you happy)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small shallot, minced (optional, but adds depth)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 oz Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is classic here)
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins or Toppings:
Chopped fresh parsley
Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
Crumbled bacon or crispy prosciutto
A few dashes of hot sauce or smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Don’t overcook — you want it to hold up to the sauce.
Step 2: Start the Flavor Base
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, not browned.
Step 3: Make That Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Boursin and let it melt completely into the cream, stirring until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat every curve and nook. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Keep it on low heat for a minute or two to make sure everything’s warmed through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Serve right away, topped with fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, or bacon if you’re feeling extra. You can also pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the top — totally optional, totally worth it.
Notes
Serve with a crisp arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette
Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a full-on comfort meal
Turn it into a mac and cheese bar with fun toppings for a dinner party
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~610 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~58g per serving
- Protein: ~19g per serving