Classic macaroni and cheese with the added goodness of butternut squash—the kids will love it and you’ll be happy knowing that they’re getting a veggie with one of their favorite meals.

Time-saving recipe shortcut: use canned sweet potato, butternut squash, or yam purée and skip the roasting step completely.

Also, try my other Mac & Cheese spins:  Mac & Cheese Muffins, Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese, and Noodle-Free Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese (if you’re all about the cheese and less about the mac, this one is for you!)  

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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Classic macaroni and cheese with the added goodness of butternut squash—the kids will love it and you’ll be happy knowing that they’re getting a veggie with one of their favorite meals.
Servings: 9 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
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Ingredients
 

  • 5 to 6 cups cubed butternut squash*
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 box, 14-16 ounce whole-grain elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup 2% low-fat milk
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 to 3 drops hot sauce, optional
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • ¼ to ½ cup grated Parmesan for sprinkling on top
  • *Can swap with 1 cup canned sweet potato, butternut squash, or yam purée.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400˚.
  • Coat a baking sheet with oil spray and add the butternut squash. Liberally mist the butternut squash with oil spray and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Place baking sheet in oven and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until squash is super soft and fork tender. Allow to cool. Then, using a fork, mash the cubes on the baking sheet until they’re the consistency of mashed potatoes. Set aside.
  • While butternut squash bakes, prepare the pasta and cheese sauce: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and follow the directions on the package for al dente pasta (about 7 minutes). Drain and return to pot.
  • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with onion powder, dry mustard, paprika, remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Place over medium heat, and cook until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Then, immediately lower the flame so the milk doesn’t curdle.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and no lumps remain. Add the butternut squash puree and butter, stirring until completely combined.
  • Add the sauce to the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spoon into bowls, or make a baked casserole version by transferring the contents to a 9- x 13-inch baking dish coated with oil spray. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Place under a preheated broiler for 4 to 7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy; check often to make sure the cheese does not burn.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 280Carbohydrates: 41gProtein: 17gTotal Fat: 8g— Unsaturated Fat: 4g— Saturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 320mgFiber: 2gTotal Sugar: 5g— Natural Sugar: 5g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!