Description
A quick, creamy, and garlicky mac and cheese made with Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. This recipe skips the roux for a silky smooth sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi)
- 1 tub (5.2 oz / 150g) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved starchy pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook one minute less than package directions (slightly firm). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. Do not rinse.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Pour in milk and whisk to combine. Warm for about a minute until hot but not boiling.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the room-temperature Boursin cheese to the warm milk. Stir gently until the cheese is mostly melted and smooth.
- Add garlic powder, black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until the sauce is uniform and creamy. Taste and add a pinch of salt only if needed.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
Ensure the Boursin cheese is at room temperature before starting to ensure it melts smoothly. Use starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and adjust consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more milk or pasta water. If too thin, cook on low heat for a minute or two longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, creamy pasta, garlic herb cheese, quick dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, side dish