Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a cozy, creamy delight that elevates the classic comfort food with the natural sweetness and nutrition of butternut squash. This dish combines three types of cheese—cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan—to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a hearty main dish or alongside your favorite proteins for a satisfying side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2/3 cup cooked, mashed butternut squash (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 pound mezzi rigatoni (or small pasta like elbow macaroni)
- 1 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3/4 cup smoked gouda cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt to taste
- Nutmeg to taste
- Ground pepper to taste
- Tabasco sauce to taste
Instructions
- Cook the mezzi rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat and mix in shredded cheeses until melted. Season with salt, nutmeg, ground pepper, and Tabasco.
- Fold in cooked pasta and mashed butternut squash until well combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Find it online: https://chopandcooktips.com/butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese/