Today's recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta with a hint of autumn sweetness from our beloved butternut squash. It's like a warm hug on a chilly evening, but in food form!
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If you love this recipe be sure to taste our Creamy Oven Baked Mac and Cheese along with this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup or this tasty Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Dish!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy and Comforting – The butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and velvety texture that makes this mac and cheese ultra creamy and comforting without being too heavy.
- Nutritious Twist – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this butternut squash mac and cheese is a sneaky way to add more veggies into a family favorite while still delivering the cheesy goodness everyone craves.
- Kid-Friendly – With its rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture, even picky eaters will enjoy this healthier take on mac and cheese! It’s a win for both kids and adults.
🥘 Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Adds a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Shallots: Provide a mild onion flavor that complements the squash.
- Garlic: Intensifies the savory depth of the dish.
- Fresh Sage: Infuses an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Virgin Olive Oil: Helps in roasting and adds a smooth finish.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Coconut Milk: Offers a rich creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable Water: Used to thin out the sauce while adding extra nutrients.
- Macaroni Noodles: The base of the dish, they absorb the flavors well.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a flavorful, gooey cheese sauce.
- Parmesan: Optional topping for added cheesy flavor and a nice golden crust.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Aromatic Flavor Swap: If minced garlic or garlic powder is not on hand, onion powder can serve as a suitable substitute.
- Milk Replacement: Swap coconut milk for regular milk, adjusting the quantity slightly due to the thinner consistency compared to coconut milk.
🔪 How To Make Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese?
Step One: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In an oven safe skillet heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes, then place the skillet into the oven for 25-30 minutes until your butternut squash is soft.
Be sure to read our article: How To Cut Butternut Squash!
Step Two: Cook your pasta noodles on the stove top according to package directions or cook in the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water for 4 minutes. Once the pasta has finished cooking drain any excess water.
Step Three: Place roasted butternut squash into the blender. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock. If you don't have veggie stock you can use chicken broth or water.
Step Four: Blitz your butternut squash sauce and add kosher salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the sage and two cups of shredded cheese to the pureed squash. This will give the sauce the cheese flavor everyone loves.
Step Five: Combine the cooked pasta to the cheese and butternut squash puree and mix until all of the noodles are covered in the delicious sauce.
Step Six: Garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese dish!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Creamy Consistency: To achieve a velvety texture, ensure the butternut squash is cooked until tender before blending it into the cheese sauce.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Remember, flavors can intensify as the dish cooks.
💭 FAQs
I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese for this dish as it pairs well with the hidden veggie (butternut squash) and gives this dish a nice cheesy flavor. You can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda or even Mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
Buy gluten free macaroni elbows and make gluten free pasta dish. Additionally, by incorporating vegan cheese alternatives, this becomes a delectable vegan butternut squash mac and cheese recipe that will surely impress your loved ones with its creamy goodness!
Crispy air-fried cubed butternut squash makes for the perfect pairing with mac and cheese, offering a delightful alternative to oven roasted squash.
Yes, you can use canned or frozen butternut squash for convenience, ensuring a quick and easy preparation without compromising the dish's delicious flavors.
Store any leftover Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure proper refrigeration to maintain freshness.
🧂Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with butternut squash macaroni cheese:
- Chipotle Cream Sauce: For a spicy kick, consider serving a creamy chipotle sauce on the side to add depth and smokiness to each bite.
- Mango Arugula Salad: A crisp green salad with a mango complements the creamy mac and cheese beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be a delightful accompaniment, adding depth to the meal.
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets: For a protein-packed option, consider serving grilled chicken on the side for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Butternut Squash Approx. 4 Cups, Peeled & Diced
- ¼ Cup Shallots Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Sage Chopped
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 8 oz Box Of Gluten Free Elbow Noodles
- Parmesan Optional Topping
Instructions
- preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In an oven safe skillet heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes, then place the skillet into the oven for 25-30 minutes until your butternut squash is soft.
- Be sure to read our article: how to cut butternut squash!
- Cook your pasta noodles on the stove top according to package directions or cook in the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water for 4 minutes. Once the pasta has finished cooking drain any excess water.
- Once the butternut squash cubes are roasted, place them into the blender. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock. If you don’t have veggie stock you can use chicken broth or water.
- Blitz your pumpkin sauce and add kosher salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the sage and two cups of shredded cheese to the pureed squash. This will give the sauce the cheese flavor everyone loves.
- Combine the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese and butternut squash sauce and mix until all of the noodles are covered in the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Macaroni and Cheese Butternut Squash dish!
- I hope you enjoyed this simple and easy recipe. It’s one of my favorite mac and cheese recipes.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes to try
This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is the ultimate cozy comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of sweetness from the roasted squash—it's a family favorite in our house. I love how the butternut squash adds a nutritious twist to the classic mac and cheese. Let me know if you give it a try!