Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese

This easy Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese is a delicious family friendly dinner that adds a fun new flavor to your kids’ tastebuds.

Last week I decided I wanted to double down on family friendly meals. I wanted to make something that was delicious for EVERYONE. Something that incorporated one of my kids’ favorite meals (hello mac and cheese) but maybe added a slightly new flavor to it and push their little tastebuds a bit. 

OMGEEZ you guys. The reaction I got from this recipe was unreal. The enthusiasm! The happiness! My son sat down at the table and exclaimed that it was his most favorite thing I’ve ever made. He loved the flavor. He had no idea there was anything butternut in it. He loved the panko on top. He was overwhelmed by the deliciousness of it. And so was I. 

I used butternut squash. You can definitely sub in some pumpkin or sweet potato instead of butternut squash. I also wanted to make this super kid-friendly so I opted for the panko on top, but you can definitely nix it if you’re not into panko. 

I’ve reheated leftovers a couple times and let me give you some tips. The creaminess goes away as it sits in the fridge, especially if you are reheating it in the oven it can get dehydrated. So before you reheat it, add a tablespoon of butter to the bowl to get the moisture back into the dish.

If you love pasta dishes as much as me, you have got to try this sautéd scallops and asiago pesto pasta, grilled summer veggie pasta salad, this grilled peach and asparagus pasta salad, and this BLT chickpea pasta salad. So enough chattiness, without further ado, let’s make some Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese!

Place three cups of cubed butternut squash in a pot along with the broth and garlic over high heat. Place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to simmer for 15 minutes.

While the squash is boiling, cook your pasta according to package directions. 

Once the butternut squash is easily pierced with a fork, pour the broth and butternut mixture into a high powered blender along with the cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and salt. Blend until smooth. 

Drain the pasta and place back into the pot. Pour the smooth cheesy butternut sauce on top and mix until coated. 

Transfer the cheesy mac to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs (if desired). Broil for 1 minute so the panko gets golden brown. Garnish with chopped chives. 

Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews

• Author: Lindsay// The Toasted Pine Nut
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: serves 6 1x

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Description

This easy Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese is a delicious family friendly dinner that adds a fun new flavor to your kids’ tastebuds.

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 cups butternut squash cubes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 16 oz. noodles
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place three cups of cubed butternut squash in a pot along with the broth and garlic over high heat.
2. Place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
4. While the squash is boiling, cook your pasta according to package directions.
5. Once the butternut squash is easily pierced with a fork, pour the broth and butternut mixture into a high powered blender along with the cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and salt.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Drain the pasta and place back into the pot. Pour the smooth cheesy butternut sauce on top and mix until coated.
8. Transfer the cheesy mac to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs (if desired).
9. Broil for 1 minute so the panko gets golden brown. Garnish with chopped chives.

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Enjoy!! xo