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Creamy One Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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A velvety, one-pot mac and cheese that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed small
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted panko breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits, or fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the cubed squash to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until squash is tender.
  4. Add dry elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir into the squash and broth and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta.
  5. Pour in milk. Stir everything together, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the squash directly in the pot to create a creamy base, or mash with a potato masher.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in grated cheddar cheese, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, topped with optional ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon.

Notes

Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. If the mixture looks too dry before adding cheese, add a splash of milk or broth. This recipe does not freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, one pot pasta, creamy mac and cheese, healthy comfort food, fall recipes, vegetarian dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://grubella.com/creamy-one-pot-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese/