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Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: Easy Healthy Pasta

butternut squash mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, healthy twist on classic mac and cheese that uses roasted butternut squash to create a rich, silky sauce packed with fiber and vitamin A, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for roasting squash
  • Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. Transfer roasted squash to a blender with garlic and a splash of milk. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens (3-5 minutes). Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and nutritional yeast until melted. Fold in the squash puree until the sauce is uniform.
  7. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  8. Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Roasting the squash concentrates flavor and prevents a watery sauce. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce if it separates.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/creamy-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-easy-healthy-pasta/