Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Indulge in the creamy comfort of our Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese. This wholesome twist on a classic favorite combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety butternut squash cheese sauce, offering a delightful fusion of rich flavors and comforting goodness. A perfect autumn-inspired dish for the whole family to enjoy!
Creamy Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 3 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
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Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the Butternut Squash:
- In a separate pot, steam the cubed butternut squash until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain any excess water.
- Blend the Butternut Squash:
- Transfer the steamed butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add the milk and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the butternut squash puree into the saucepan with the butter and spices. Stir to combine.
- Add the Cheeses:
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the butternut squash mixture. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Combine:
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy butternut squash cheese sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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Recipe Tips for Success
Here are some tips for recipe success when making Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese:
- Choose a Ripe Butternut Squash: Select a ripe butternut squash that is firm, smooth, and has a matte skin. It should feel heavy for its size. This ensures that the squash is sweet and flavorful.
- Steam the Squash Until Tender: When steaming the butternut squash, make sure it becomes tender enough to blend smoothly. Test it with a fork; it should easily pierce the cubes without resistance.
- Use Whole Milk for Creaminess: For a creamy sauce, use whole milk or 2% milk. The higher fat content contributes to a smoother and richer texture.
- Blend Until Smooth: When blending the butternut squash with milk, blend until the mixture is completely smooth. This ensures a silky sauce without any lumps.
- Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less to make it cheesier or milder.
- Season Thoughtfully: Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and spices like nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce Well: After cooking the pasta, be sure to thoroughly combine it with the butternut squash cheese sauce to coat every noodle evenly.
- Garnish for Presentation: If desired, garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra-grated Parmesan cheese for both flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy Hot: Serve the Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese hot, while it's at its creamiest and most comforting.
By following these tips, you can create a successful and delicious Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese that's sure to be a hit at your table.
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This creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It's a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of butternut squash while indulging in cheesy goodness. Enjoy!
Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese
Indulge in the creamy comfort of our Butternut Squash Mac 'n' Cheese. This wholesome twist on a classic favorite combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety butternut squash cheese sauce, offering a delightful fusion of rich flavors and comforting goodness. A perfect autumn-inspired dish for the whole family to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 3 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam the Butternut Squash: In a separate pot, steam the cubed butternut squash until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain any excess water.
- Blend the Butternut Squash: Transfer the steamed butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add the milk and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the butternut squash puree into the saucepan with the butter and spices. Stir to combine.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the butternut squash mixture. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Combine: Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy butternut squash cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Butternut Squash Mac ‘n’ Cheese hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
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- First published: 10/3/2023
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