Fall Comfort Done Right—Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Meal: Lunch, Dinner, or Snack
Cozy Up with Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese 🍂
This isn’t just mac & cheese; it’s a fall-inspired hug in a bowl. With roasted butternut squash blended into a velvety, cheesy sauce, this dish delivers comfort, nutrition, and indulgence all in one bite. Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in, it’s everything you love about mac & cheese with a seasonal twist.
Butternut squash adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, balanced by aromatic herbs and smoky spices. A trio of cheeses—gouda, parmesan, and white cheddar—melts into the sauce for a rich, savory finish. Tossed with al dente rigatoni and topped with optional chili oil or red pepper flakes, this dish is customizable for spice lovers or kept mild for the whole family.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6#
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw butternut squash (12 oz cooked)
- ¾ cup milk of choice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp sage
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese (about 6 oz)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (about 3 oz)
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (about 3 oz)
- 16 oz rigatoni pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, chili oil
Instructions
- Roast the Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place raw butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until soft.
- Prepare the Sauce: Scoop the roasted squash into a blender. Add milk, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and cayenne. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the bay leaf and butternut purée. Stir occasionally and keep on low heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente (6–8 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine: Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce. Gradually add the cheeses, alternating with splashes of pasta water, until the cheese melts and the sauce fully coats the pasta.
- Serve: Top with red pepper flakes and a drizzle of chili oil if desired. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
- Nutritious Comfort: The squash brings a veggie-packed boost without compromising the creamy mac & cheese experience.
- Flavor Explosion: Warm spices and rich cheeses make every bite unforgettable.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for dinner parties, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
- Seasonal & Festive: It’s the ultimate dish to celebrate autumn vibes.
Perfect For:
- Cozy Dinners: Serve as a main course with a crisp fall salad.
- Holiday Gatherings: A delicious alternative or addition to traditional mac & cheese.
- Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for lunches or weeknight dinners.
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