Dreamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe: Silky Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy butternut squash mac and cheese that blends rich, smooth textures into a delightful meal.

Autumn’s golden vegetable adds unexpected depth to the classic pasta dish.

Cheesy goodness mingles with the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each forkful promises a warm, satisfying experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into something special.

Crunchy breadcrumbs sprinkled on top provide a perfect textural contrast to the silky sauce.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gouda cheese create a luxurious base that makes this recipe irresistible.

Serve this mac and cheese as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Suggestions for Butternut Mac & Cheese

• Comfort Food Feast: Perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Sprinkle roasted brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions on top to add nutrition and texture.
• Crunch Factor: Finish with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed pecans, or crispy sage leaves for a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.

Saving and Reheating Butternut Mac Like a Pro

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Fridge Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the mac and cheese completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Friendly: Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the dish in advance and store components separately. Keep pasta and sauce in different containers to maintain optimal texture when combining later.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Essentials

• Pasta: Provides the hearty foundation for this creamy dish, choose short shapes like elbow macaroni or shells that hold sauce beautifully.

• Butternut Squash: Delivers velvety texture and subtle sweetness, select firm squash with deep orange color and no soft spots.
• Milk: Ensures silky smoothness, whole milk works best for rich consistency.
• Butter: Adds luxurious depth and helps create smooth sauce base.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and prevents butter from burning.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic warmth, fresh cloves provide most intense flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy complexity and helps emulsify sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, classic mac and cheese flavor, opt for sharp variety for more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty undertone and helps thicken sauce, freshly grated delivers superior taste.
• Salt: Balances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and complexity.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky dimension.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh herbal note.

Tools to Nail This Mac and Cheese

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles perfectly.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking squash and preparing creamy sauce.
• Blender or food processor: Critical for creating ultra-smooth butternut squash sauce.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta and squash after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing butternut squash and chopping parsley.
• Chef's knife: Required for cutting squash into even cubes.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Butternut Squash Mac at Home

• Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain and set aside, keeping it ready for its cheesy transformation.

• Soften Squash

Simmer butternut squash cubes in boiling water until they turn super tender. Drain and prepare for their magical blending journey.

• Create Creamy Base

Warm up butter and olive oil in a pan, then toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant. Scoop the cooked squash and garlic into a blender, splash in some milk, and whirl until silky smooth.

• Melt Cheese Magic

Pour the squash mixture back into the pan over gentle heat. Sprinkle in cheddar and Parmesan, add a dash of Dijon mustard, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring every noodle gets a perfect coating of cheesy goodness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the mac and cheese to a beautiful serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and get ready to dive into comfort food heaven.

Tips to Tweak Butternut Squash Mac to Taste

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Squash Swap: Try different winter squash varieties like acorn or kabocha for unique flavor profiles and subtle texture differences.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, fontina, or gouda to create a more complex and rich flavor experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace traditional flour-based ingredients with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed turkey sausage for extra protein and a hearty meal boost.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted vegetables like spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the dish.

Velvety Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy butternut squash mac and cheese delivers comfort with a nutritious twist. Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a delightful pasta experience that satisfies and nourishes you completely.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a well-seasoned large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, preserving its perfect texture.
2. Squash Transformation: Simmer butternut squash cubes in water for 10-12 minutes until tender. Drain completely, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same saucepan, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its rich flavor profile.
4. Sauce Creation: Blend roasted squash and caramelized garlic with milk until achieving a silky, uniform puree. Transfer back to the saucepan over low heat.
5. Cheese Fusion: Integrate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the squash mixture. Whisk in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, forming a luxurious, creamy sauce.
6. Final Assembly: Combine cooked pasta with the velvety sauce, ensuring each noodle is generously coated. Toss gently to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency.
7. Presentation: Plate the mac and cheese, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to preserve the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy texture.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Technique: Gradually add cheese at low heat to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
• Squash Cooking Precision: Simmer butternut squash until fork-tender but not mushy, maintaining its natural sweetness and smooth blending potential.
• Salt Balance Strategy: Use moderate salting during pasta and sauce stages to enhance flavors without overwhelming the delicate squash and cheese combination.
• Dietary Adaptation Tip: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for plant-based version, maintaining similar creamy consistency and nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg