Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – 30-Minute Comfort Food

If you’re craving comfort food that’s both rich in flavor and healthier than the traditional mac and cheese, then this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is the recipe for you. Packed with the natural sweetness and creaminess of roasted butternut squash, this dish offers a delightful twist on the classic pasta bake. It’s an easy, quick, and family-friendly recipe that makes a perfect fall or winter meal. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add more vegetables to your diet without compromising on taste. This creamy, cozy dish will have your taste buds singing in delight!

Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese stands out for its ability to combine the rich creaminess of cheese with the sweetness of roasted squash, creating a velvety sauce that’s healthier and just as satisfying as the original. It’s the perfect comfort food for colder months, but its lighter ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence. This dish is also incredibly quick to prepare, taking just under 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for kids or hosting a family dinner, this recipe will definitely be a hit!

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the key ingredients needed to make this delicious Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese:

• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Sage leaves: Offers a savory, aromatic note to complement the squash.
• Shallots: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Provides an irresistible fragrance and taste.
• Thyme: A must-have herb that enhances the savory flavors.
• Salt and ground pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Butternut squash: The star ingredient, offering a creamy base for the sauce.
• Shell pasta: This shape helps hold the cheesy sauce perfectly, though elbow macaroni or rotini work too.
• Vegetable stock: Adds depth to the sauce, and can be replaced with chicken stock.
• Milk: Full-fat milk works best to create a creamy, smooth texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The key cheese for flavor, paired with a bit of mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize the recipe or need alternatives, here are a few swaps:

• Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, and plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also opt for vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta such as rice or corn-based varieties.
• Low-fat option: Substitute whole milk with 2% milk or use a reduced-fat cheese option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Butternut Squash: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. In a separate pan, melt butter and add the sage leaves, frying them for a few seconds until crispy. Remove and set aside. Sauté diced shallots and minced garlic in the butter until they turn translucent, ensuring they don’t brown.
2. Add Herbs and Squash: Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Add diced butternut squash to the pan, cooking for a few minutes to allow the squash to caramelize slightly. Pour in vegetable stock and milk, then bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook until the squash is tender (about 10 minutes).
3. Cook the Pasta: While the squash is cooking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al-dente. Remember to reserve 1 to 2 cups of pasta water.
4. Blend the Sauce: Once the squash is fork-tender, remove the sage leaves and blend the mixture using an immersion blender until smooth.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Stir in the grated cheese until melted. Then, add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing until well-coated.
6. Serve: Serve the dish warm, topped with crispy sage leaves and extra cheese if desired.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is al-dente to ensure the best texture when mixed with the sauce.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For a creamy sauce, always shred cheese from the block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens as it cools, simply add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy pasta water helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, sprinkle in smoked paprika or red chili flakes for an added kick.

Variations of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

While this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or crispy bacon for an extra protein boost.
• Vegetables: Steam or sauté additional vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas to include more nutrients.
• Nuts for Texture: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pepitas on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to spice things up.

Pairing Ideas and Storage Tips

How to Serve It

For a well-rounded meal, pair your Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with a light salad such as a fresh chopped salad or a roasted butternut squash salad. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or buttermilk cornbread.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.

Health Benefits of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Not only is Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese a comforting dish, but it’s also packed with nutrition. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, and it also provides fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. By using a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, you get a great source of calcium and protein, making this dish a well-rounded meal for both kids and adults.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese brings together the best of comfort food with a healthier twist. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With the natural sweetness of butternut squash blended into a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy meal on a cold day, or even a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The best part? It’s packed with vegetables and offers a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative to traditional mac and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Boursin Mac and Cheese: This creamy and indulgent version of mac and cheese uses the rich, herby flavors of Boursin cheese to create a comforting dish similar to butternut squash mac and cheese, but with a garlic and herb twist.
• Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese: A classic mac and cheese recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort. This version brings the familiar flavors of a traditional mac and cheese, perfect for those who enjoy the simplicity of the original with a little extra cheese.
• Taco Mac and Cheese: For a fun and flavorful twist, this recipe combines the hearty elements of a taco with creamy mac and cheese, offering a spicy kick alongside the familiar creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the squash-based version.

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