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Easy 30-Minute Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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This quick and easy mac and cheese gets a creamy, healthy twist with butternut squash boiled right in with the pasta. Ready in 30 minutes with one pot, it’s a weeknight dinner that kids and adults love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cubed butternut squash. Cook for 8 minutes until pasta is al dente and squash is fork-tender.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and squash together in a colander. Do not rinse.
  3. Return the drained pasta and squash to the pot (off heat). Mash the squash pieces against the side of the pot with a fork or potato masher until they coat the pasta.
  4. Turn heat to low. Add butter, milk, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir and let simmer for 1 minute until hot and slightly thickened.
  5. Remove pot from heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring after each addition until melted. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with panko breadcrumbs if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free cheddar shreds. The sauce may thicken as it sits; add a splash of milk when reheating. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, 30 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, hidden vegetable mac and cheese

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-30-minute-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-recipe/