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Brie mac and cheese garnished with extra herbs and lemon zest in a white bowl with a fork inside.
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Best Brie Mac and Cheese with Herbs (Gluten-Free)

If you're looking for an elevated version of comfort food that's simple to make, this gluten-free brie mac and cheese recipe is definitely it. 
Prep Time12 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 555kcal
Author: Elcy Wang
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INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE

  • 16 ounces brie cheese, cubed room temperature cheese is best
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary about 2 tablespoons chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from one large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

FOR THE PASTA SHELLS

  • 1 teaspoon salt optional, added to boiling water
  • 16 ounces chickpea pasta shells

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Using a sharp knife, cube the brie cheese and add it to a food processor.
  • Add the remaining cheese sauce ingredients, then blend until smooth.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add a teaspoon of salt if desired.  Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the minimum time on the package instructions.
  • Pour the pasta into a strainer and make sure there is no water remaining in the pot.  Return the pasta to the warm pot and add the cheese sauce.  
  • Immediately stir in the brie cheese sauce until it melts into a creamy texture and is well combined with the pasta.
  • If desired, garnish with some extra herbs and lemon zest before serving.

NOTES

Tip

  • Before you begin, it is best to let the brie cheese warm to room temperature.  If you forget to do this, don't worry.  It will still turn out fine.

For variety, try adding any of these options to the finished dish:

  • Cherry tomatoes - add about a cup of halved or quartered cherry tomatoes. This adds a sweetness that pairs very well with the flavor of brie cheese.
  • Proscuitto - add 4 ounces of chopped prosciutto for a salty ham flavor.Crispy bacon - sprinkle chopped bacon on top for a crunchy texture and salty flavor.
  • If you happen to have some gluten-free bread crumbs, melt some unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the top of your finished mac and cheese.

 

More options for the cheese sauce:

  • If you love mustard, try adding a teaspoon of brown mustard or Dijon mustard to the food processor before blending.
  • If you would like to add more types of cheese, try adding some parmesan cheese or shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the top of the mac and cheese dish.  You can broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes in the oven if you want to add a golden brown color to it.  Don't forget to switch to a baking dish if your pot is not oven-safe.
  • If you like spicy food, stir in some red pepper flakes while combining the cheese sauce with the pasta.  Alternatively, add some fresh cracked black pepper or cayenne pepper to the food processor before blending.
 
If you enjoy making cheese sauce that does not involve the stovetop, try making classic mac and cheese with elbow pasta using my Easy Flourless Cheese Sauce.

NUTRITION

Calories: 555kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 947mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 8mg