Description
A deliciously creamy and healthier twist on classic mac and cheese, this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese blends wholesome ingredients with cheesy indulgence. Packed with nutrients, kid-approved, and perfect for cozy nights, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Butternut Squash Sauce:
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1½ cups milk (whole or unsweetened almond for a lighter version)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or parmesan)
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (elbows or shells; whole-grain or gluten-free if desired)
- Salt (to taste)
Optional Garnishes:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (mix with olive oil for a crispy topping)
- Chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash
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- Peel and cube the squash. Boil in water until fork-tender (10–12 min). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic
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- In a saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Blend the Sauce
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- In a blender, combine cooked squash, sautéed garlic, and 1 cup of milk. Puree until smooth.
- Add nutmeg, salt, and shredded cheese while blending. Adjust milk for desired thickness.
- Cook the Pasta
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- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Combine Ingredients
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- Mix butternut squash sauce with drained pasta in a skillet. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Optional Oven Finish
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- Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 min until golden brown.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Freeze extra sauce for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
- Add cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for added depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (Optional Baked)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Protein: ~15g
- Cholesterol: ~40mg