Creamy, cozy mac and cheese blended with roasted butternut squash, the kind of comforting winter dinner everyone comes back for.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar-style cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella-style cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for about 20 minutes until very tender and lightly caramelized.
Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Mash the roasted squash until smooth. In a saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and cook briefly. Slowly add the milk while whisking until the sauce thickens.
Stir the mashed squash into the sauce, add the cheeses and nutmeg, and mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold the pasta into the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 510 | Protein: 22 g | Carbs: 46 g | Fat: 26 g
Quick Facts
• one-pan bake
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Roast the squash until very soft so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Season the sauce gradually to keep the flavors balanced and not overly sweet.
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets and serves cleanly.
Variations
Extra Creamy Stovetop Version
Skip the baking step and serve the mac and cheese straight from the stovetop. Add a splash of milk at the end to loosen the sauce and create a silkier texture. For a quick and creamy dish with bold character, try the Juicy Baked Chicken Bites that deliver easy comfort with minimal prep.
Sharp Cheese Winter Bake
Use a sharper cheese blend and bake a little longer for deeper flavor and a more pronounced cheesy bite that stands up well to the squash. For a meal with deep savory notes and bold seasoning, check out the Assassin’s Spaghetti which cooks right in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Veggie Loaded Comfort Bowl
Stir in a handful of roasted vegetables like cauliflower or carrots before baking to make the dish heartier while keeping the same creamy base. For another cozy dinner that sneaks in extra veggies, the Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole balances comfort and family friendly ingredients in every bite.