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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Irresistible Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights

This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic dish perfect for autumn nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup butternut squash mashed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 cup milk almond or oat milk as alternatives
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce optional
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese medium or sharp, grated
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta (mezzi rigatoni) or any preferred shape

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Pot
  • whisk

Method
 

How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
  1. Start by roasting or microwaving your butternut squash, aiming for about ⅔ cup of mashed squash.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  3. Boil your mezzi rigatoni for approximately 9 minutes until it's al dente, then drain it and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then slowly add the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add the mashed butternut squash, cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan to the sauce. Stir in the nutmeg, Tabasco, salt, and pepper, then mix in the cooked pasta.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle on reserved cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with paprika and fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a side of crisp salad greens dressed in blue cheese vinaigrette.

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