Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is the perfect comfort food for a cool autumn night. This creamy cheesy pasta is full of fall flavor with a veggie boost. Traditional Mac & Cheese is taken up a notch with a healthy twist with the addition of rich and flavorful butternut squash.

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• Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
• Steps to Make Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
• Other Great Fall Favorites
• Recipe

Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need

Steps to Make Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to boil over high heat. While you're waiting for the water to boil, combine the frozen butternut squash and ¼ cup of water in a large skillet with a lid, set over medium-high heat. (I used my large 5-quart Le Creuset Braiser.) Place the lid on the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. Then, uncover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until all the water has evaporated.

2. Add cubed unsalted butter, freshly ground black pepper, and Kosher salt and stir until the butter is melted.

3. Then, add the all-purpose flour and stir to incorporate. Cook stirring constantly, until the squash mixture has thickened, for about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Gradually add the milk, about ½ a cup at a time, stirring constantly, until all of the milk has been incorporated.

5. Add the freshly minced thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, then bring to a simmer.

6. Add the goat cheese and extra sharp cheddar cheese, then stir constantly until all of the cheese is melted and well incorporated. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about five minutes.

7. When the sauce mixture has cooled slightly, transfer all of it to a large four-cup measuring cup, and clean the pan to ensure none of the chunky sauce mixture remains. Then, process the sauce in the blender in two batches until it's smooth and creamy. Return the first batch to the cleaned pan, then set the pan over medium-low heat. Leave the second batch in the blender until ready to incorporate it with the pasta.

8. Once the salted water begins to boil, add the dry shells pasta and cook according to package directions minus three minutes from al dente.

9. When the pasta is almost done reserve about a cup of the pasta water.

10. Drain the pasta in a colander set in the kitchen sink. Then, add the drained pasta to the sauce in the pan and stir the pasta into the sauce.

11. Add the remaining sauce and stir so the all the pasta is well coated.

12. Ladle in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir it into the Mac & Cheese. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about five minutes.

13. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the remaining water until the desired consistency is reached.

Butternut Squash is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. The creaminess of traditional Mac & Cheese blended with the sweetness of butternut squash makes this truly an enjoyable plat du jour. Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight meal, a fantastic addition to the office potluck, or a decadent side dish to the holiday spread, this Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese will be a hit with adults and kids alike.

Other Great Fall Favorites

Recipe