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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

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.