Name: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Mac and Cheese:; 4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (1″ pieces); 1 cup low sodium broth (vegetable or chicken); 1 cup milk of choice; 1 lb macaroni pasta (whole grain, gluten-free, or any preferred type); 2 tablespoons butter or ghee; 4 oz goat cheese (optional); ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ tablespoon tapioca starch (optional, for thickening); 6 oz shredded cheese (about 1 ½ cups, e.g., colby and gouda); Black pepper, breadcrumbs, parsley for garnish

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This creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese brings comfort food to a new level with a healthy twist. Made with real butternut squash, your choice of milk, and melty cheese, it’s a quick and cozy meal perfect for busy weeknights or fall family dinners. Kid-friendly and easily adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a game changer when it comes to comfort food. The naturally sweet and creamy butternut squash creates a velvety sauce that coats each noodle, offering a lighter yet indulgent version of traditional mac and cheese. With the option to use gluten-free pasta and vegan cheese, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions, while still being rich, cheesy, and satisfying. The addition of goat cheese (optional) adds an extra layer of flavor, making this dish as comforting as it is nutritious. It’s also quick, ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights or cozy weekends. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

4 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (1″ pieces)
1 cup low sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
1 cup milk of choice
1 lb macaroni pasta (whole grain, gluten-free, or any preferred type)
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
4 oz goat cheese (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ tablespoon tapioca starch (optional, for thickening)
6 oz shredded cheese (about 1 ½ cups, e.g., colby and gouda)
Black pepper, breadcrumbs, parsley for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine butternut squash, broth, and milk over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until squash is fork-tender. Blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
While squash cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter or ghee over medium heat. Add squash purée, goat cheese (if using), onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until goat cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Stir in tapioca starch if using.
Add shredded cheese and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir gently until evenly combined and heated through.
Serve warm in bowls, garnished with black pepper, breadcrumbs, and parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk), and replace the cheese with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free macaroni pasta for a completely gluten-free dish.
Add-ins: You can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic to the sauce for additional flavor and texture.
Spicy twist: For a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While mac and cheese can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change once thawed. To freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to restore the creaminess. You can also microwave it, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, including gluten-free pasta, whole grain pasta, or even other short pasta shapes like penne or shells.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just use dairy-free butter, milk (like almond or oat milk), and vegan cheese in place of the regular ingredients to make this dish fully dairy-free.

3. Can I use a different type of squash?

Butternut squash is ideal for its sweetness and creaminess, but you can also substitute with other squashes like acorn squash or pumpkin, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

4. Can I freeze the mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it, but be aware that the texture of the cheese sauce may change after freezing. It’s best to thaw it in the fridge and reheat on low with a little extra milk or broth.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add tapioca starch (as mentioned in the recipe), or thicken it by cooking the sauce longer over low heat, stirring constantly.

6. Is there a substitute for goat cheese?

If you don’t like goat cheese or can’t find it, you can skip it or use cream cheese, ricotta, or even a bit of cream for a similar creamy texture.

7. How can I make this recipe spicy?

To add some heat, you can stir in some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce base.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, peas, mushrooms, or broccoli to the mac and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it before serving, adding a bit of milk or broth if needed.

10. What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Besides colby and gouda, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère are also great options for a creamy, flavorful mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The naturally sweet butternut squash sauce adds a unique twist to the traditional mac and cheese, while still delivering that creamy, cheesy indulgence we all crave. It’s a versatile dish that can easily be adapted for different dietary needs, and its simplicity makes it an ideal choice for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it to kids or looking for a fall-inspired meal, this dish is sure to be a hit.