Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion; 1 small butternut squash (4-5 cups cubed); 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 3/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup shredded cheese; parsley for topping; salt and pepper to taste

This healthy mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer for comfort food lovers seeking a nutritious twist. Combining the classic creamy texture you adore with the wholesome goodness of butternut squash, it’s a dish the whole family will devour. Forget the heavy, processed versions; this vibrant mac and cheese is made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this butternut squash mac and cheese proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables without compromising on taste, making it a favorite for picky eaters and adults alike.

⏱ Time: 45 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 10 ingredients

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 45

Total Time 45

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 small yellow onion
1 small butternut squash (4-5 cups cubed)
5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shredded cheese
parsley for topping
salt and pepper to taste

Method

Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté the thinly sliced onion rings for about 20 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Meanwhile, prepare the butternut squash by removing seeds and skin, then cubing the flesh. Boil the broth and cook the squash for 5-7 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain the squash, reserving 1/2 cup of the broth. Transfer the cooked squash to a blender.
Add the sautéed onions, milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and the reserved broth to the blender with the squash.
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, yielding approximately 4 cups of sauce. Combine this sauce with the cooked macaroni and stir well.
Stir in the shredded cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

– Use a good quality shredded cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
– For an even creamier sauce, ensure your butternut squash is cooked until very tender.
– Don’t skip the sautéed onions; they add a depth of flavor essential to the sauce.
– Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference after blending.

Pro tips

Use a good quality shredded cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
For an even creamier sauce, ensure your butternut squash is cooked until very tender.
Don’t skip the sautéed onions; they add a depth of flavor essential to the sauce.
Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference after blending.

Enjoy this wonderfully creamy and healthy mac and cheese. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite spices or a touch of nutmeg.

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