Description
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.
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
Instructions
- Cook Squash: 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.
- Cook Pasta: 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.
- Make Sauce: 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.
- Combine: Add shredded cheese and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir gently until evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm in bowls, garnished with black pepper, breadcrumbs, and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter, milk, goat cheese, and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
- Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor in the vegan version.
- Gluten-free pasta can easily be substituted for the macaroni to fit dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
