Pin It One-Pot Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: Hidden Veggie Twist A creamy, comforting mac and cheese with a silky butternut squash sauce, perfectly blending cheesy goodness and a boost of hidden veggies—all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
I first served this creamy mac and cheese to my family and was amazed by how the hidden butternut squash added both nutrition and a smooth texture without overpowering the cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
- Vegetables: 2 cups (about 350 g) butternut squash peeled and diced, 1 small carrot peeled and diced, 1 small onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Dairy & Cheese: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- Seasonings: ½ tsp salt (or to taste), ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional), ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and butternut squash. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 2:
- Pour in milk and water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the squash and carrot are very tender.
- Step 3:
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture in the pot until smooth and creamy (or carefully transfer to a blender and return to the pot).
- Step 4:
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened (about 10 minutes). Add a splash more water or milk if needed.
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot.
Pin It This dish always brings smiles at family dinners, reminding us how comfort food can be both nourishing and delicious.
Required Tools
Large pot with lid, immersion blender or standard blender, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy) cheese and wheat (gluten from pasta). For allergies, use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives and gluten-free pasta as needed. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 475 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 62 g Protein 19 g (per serving)
Pin It Enjoy this creamy mac and cheese as a hearty weeknight meal or a comforting side dish that pleases both kids and adults.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a smooth butternut squash sauce?
Sauté the squash and vegetables until tender, then puree using an immersion or standard blender until silky and smooth before adding pasta.
- → Can I substitute sweet potato for butternut squash?
Yes, sweet potato works well and offers a slightly different sweetness while maintaining creamy texture.
- → What cheese types work best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide a rich, tangy flavor and smooth melt that enhance the creamy vegetable base.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently during cooking and add small amounts of water or milk as needed to keep the sauce smooth and pasta separated.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding spinach in the last few minutes of cooking is a great way to boost nutrition without altering texture much.