Creamy Boursin Shrimp Mac and Cheese
This creamy Boursin Mac and Cheese with shrimp and garlic is a delightful comfort food that elevates traditional mac and cheese to a gourmet experience. With its rich flavors and luxurious texture, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to cook in the sauce later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste (a roux). This step is crucial; avoid browning the roux as it should remain light in color.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. You should see bubbles forming on the surface, signaling it's ready.
- Once thickened, lower the heat and add 1 cup of Boursin cheese, 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. At this point, you may want to add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece of pasta evenly. Be cautious not to break the pasta.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, along with 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of heat. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Boursin Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and Garlic while it’s hot!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: To ensure the creamiest sauce, add the cheese slowly while stirring continuously. A common mistake is overcooking the shrimp; they should be just cooked through. Consider using a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to help distribute heat evenly while cooking the sauce.