If you’re looking for a next-level mac and cheese that feels gourmet but takes almost no effort, this Creamy Boursin Mac and Cheese is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
The secret ingredient? Boursin cheese. It melts into the sauce creating an incredibly creamy, garlicky, herb-infused cheese sauce without needing a complicated roux or a long ingredient list.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Cozy weeknight dinners
- Holiday side dishes
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Upgrading boxed mac and cheese
- Comfort food cravings
It’s rich, silky, garlicky, and packed with flavor, and once you try it you may never go back to plain mac and cheese again.
Ingredients
16 oz shells macaroni (elbow or cavatappi)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
Optional toppings:
½ cup toasted breadcrumbs
extra parmesan
fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Start the Cream Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir frequently and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Melt the Boursin
Add the Boursin cheese and whisk until completely melted into the cream.
This is where the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and packed with garlic herb flavor.
5. Add the Remaining Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in:
- shredded cheddar
- parmesan
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- mustard powder
Stir until smooth and fully melted.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until every piece of pasta is coated.
7. Optional Crunchy Topping
For a little texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs and extra parmesan on top before serving.
Paired with These for a Complete Meal
Why Boursin Makes the Best Mac and Cheese
Boursin cheese is essentially a creamy garlic herb cheese spread, which means it melts beautifully into sauces and instantly adds flavor.
Instead of needing:
- multiple spices
- cream cheese
- garlic powder
- herbs
Boursin provides all of that in one ingredient.
The result is a silky, restaurant-style mac and cheese sauce with almost no effort.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t boil the sauce
Keep the heat low so the cheese stays smooth and creamy.
Reserve pasta water
Add a splash if the sauce thickens too much.
Use the right pasta
Cavatappi, shells, or elbow macaroni hold the sauce best.
Delicious Variations
Once you make this base recipe, there are endless ways to customize it.
Boursin Bacon Mac and Cheese
Add crispy bacon and a little extra cheddar.
Chicken Boursin Mac
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken.
Spinach Boursin Mac
Fold in sautéed spinach for a creamy spinach mac.
Baked Boursin Mac and Cheese
Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Lobster Boursin Mac and Cheese
Add chunks of lobster meat for a decadent dinner.
What to Serve With Boursin Mac and Cheese
This creamy pasta pairs well with:
- roasted chicken
- grilled steak
- barbecue ribs
- crispy chicken cutlets
- simple green salad
- roasted broccoli or asparagus
It also works beautifully as a holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Creamy Boursin Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Ultra creamy Boursin mac and cheese made with garlic and fine herb Boursin cheese, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. This easy comfort food pasta is rich, garlicky, and ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni or shells
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Optional topping:
½ cup toasted breadcrumbs
fresh parsley
Instructions
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
-
Add the Boursin cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
-
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder until the sauce is creamy.
-
Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
-
Top with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
Cavatappi or shells also work well because they hold the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
Add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave while stirring to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Boursin mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mac and cheese and store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat with a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
What flavor of Boursin works best?
The classic Garlic & Fine Herbs is the most popular, but Shallot & Chive also works beautifully.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food with big flavor, this Creamy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. The rich garlic herb cheese melts into the sauce creating a luxuriously creamy mac and cheese that tastes like it came from a restaurant — but takes only 30 minutes to make at home.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or whenever you want the ultimate bowl of cheesy comfort.
