Description
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese offers a deliciously creamy twist on the classic comfort dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. With its delightful texture and irresistible taste, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with half of the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour for one minute, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta, roasted squash, cheese sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and reserved pasta water in a large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 687mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 54mg