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Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe offers a comforting twist on a classic favorite by blending roasted butternut squash with rich cheddar cheese for a velvety, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines wholesome ingredients to create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a hint of natural sweetness and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Butternut Squash

  • 2 cups butternut squash, roasted and mashed
  • Olive oil for roasting
  • Salt, to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, brush the flesh with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place it cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about two minutes until the mixture turns a golden brown color, which helps remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Combine Squash with Sauce: Remove the roasted butternut squash from the oven, scoop out the flesh, and add it into the thickened sauce. Use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
  6. Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
  7. Mix Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and gently stir to coat each piece evenly with the butternut squash cheese sauce. Allow it to simmer on low heat for a few minutes to marry the flavors before serving warm.

Notes

  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for varied flavors.
  • Add warming spices like nutmeg or paprika to enhance depth in the sauce.
  • Consider mixing in vegetables such as spinach or proteins like cooked bacon for added richness and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave to maintain creaminess without breaking the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, mac and cheese, creamy pasta, roasted squash, cheddar cheese, comfort food, vegetarian, easy dinner recipe, cheesy pasta, fall recipes

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/creamy-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-recipe/