Best 3 Creamy Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with a symphony of flavors in our Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe. This delectable dish combines the comforting goodness of classic mac and cheese with the sweet and savory notes of butternut squash. Featuring three variations – a classic version, a vegan one, and a gluten-free option – this recipe caters to diverse dietary preferences.

In our classic Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, a rich and velvety cheese sauce is delicately infused with roasted butternut squash, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Our vegan rendition offers a plant-based alternative with a creamy cashew cheese sauce, catering to those with dietary restrictions. And for those seeking a gluten-free option, we've crafted a recipe using gluten-free pasta and a luscious cheese sauce made from dairy-free alternatives.

Each variation promises a unique culinary experience, ensuring that everyone can savor the comforting goodness of mac and cheese, regardless of dietary choices. Join us on this culinary journey as we embark on a step-by-step guide to preparing this delectable dish, complete with variations for specific dietary needs.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

This healthier Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe is made with lots of good-for-you squash, it's easy to make in just 30 minutes, and it's SO cozy and creamy and delicious. See notes above for possible ingredient add-ins.

Provided by Ali

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
12 fresh sage leaves (optional)
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (about 4 cups) diced butternut squash*
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
1 pound uncooked pasta (I used shells)
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces good-quality sharp cheddar cheese, shredded*
fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of generously-salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, heat the butter in a separate large sauté pan until melted. Add the sage leaves (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Transfer the sage leaves to a separate plate and set aside.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Then add in the butternut squash and vegetable stock and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the stock reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and mashes easily with a fork.
  • Transfer the squash mixture to a blender. Add in the milk and give the mixture a quick stir. Then very carefully (I recommend slightly opening the cap on the blender lid, so that excess steam can escape) pulse the mixture until smooth.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Then drain the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking, return the butternut squash mixture back to the sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until it has melted into the sauce.
  • Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper as needed. (I used about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.)
  • Then once the pasta is drained, return it to the stockpot. Pour the butternut cheese sauce on top of the pasta, and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add in some of the hot starchy pasta water to thin it out.
  • Serve warm, garnished with the crispy sage leaves if desired.

CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE



Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

This is a delicious recipe for butternut squash mac and cheese that is husband and kid approved. Just beware of portion control; you'll want seconds and then some. Play around with the recipe, it's fairly forgiving.

Provided by Merritt

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 cups mashed cooked butternut squash
½ cup skim milk
½ cup cottage cheese
⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
⅛ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch cayenne pepper
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Place cooked squash in the bowl of a food processor; process until pureed. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in cooked pasta, milk, cottage cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, bouillon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper until completely blended and creamy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.5 calories, Carbohydrate 44.1 g, Cholesterol 8.5 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 11.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 121.3 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

I received this recipe from a dear friend. This is a quick, great way to incorporate a fall vegetable into a comfort-food favorite. Sweet, creamy, and delicious.

Provided by bwayfreak3

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups milk
6 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place butternut squash, cut-side down, on a baking sheet.
  • Roast squash in the preheated oven until soft, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove squash flesh from skin and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk flour and mustard into melted butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk milk into flour mixture until the mixture has the texture of heavy cream, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir butternut squash, white Cheddar cheese, and Cheddar cheese into milk mixture until cheese is melted. Stir rotini into cheese mixture. Pour cheese mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with bread crumbs.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs are golden, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.3 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 45.7 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 307.2 mg, Sugar 6 g

Tips:

  • Select the right butternut squash: Choose a firm, ripe butternut squash with a deep orange color. Avoid squashes with blemishes or soft spots.
  • Roast the butternut squash: Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and flavor. Be sure to roast the squash until it is tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Make a smooth butternut squash puree: Use a food processor or blender to puree the roasted butternut squash until it is smooth and creamy. You can also mash the squash with a fork, but this will result in a less smooth puree.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or fontina for a more subtle flavor.
  • Cook the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and creamy: Be sure to cook the mac and cheese until the sauce is bubbly and the pasta is tender. This will ensure that the mac and cheese is cooked through and has a creamy texture.

Conclusion:

Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its creamy texture, sweet butternut squash flavor, and cheesy goodness, butternut squash mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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