Save to Pinterest A creamy, comforting mac and cheese with a silky butternut squash sauce, perfectly blending cheesy goodness and a boost of hidden veggies&mdashall made in one pot for easy cleanup.
This dish has become a family favorite thanks to its perfect balance of creamy cheese and nutritious veggies that sneak in without complaints.
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.
Save to Pinterest Our kids love gathering around the table to enjoy this warm dish especially on chilly nights making it a perfect family meal.
Notes
For a gluten free version use gluten free pasta. Pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli.
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.
Save to Pinterest This hidden veggie mac and cheese elevates a classic comfort food with nutritious goodness and rich flavor in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute sweet potato for butternut squash?
Yes, sweet potato works well and adds a slightly different but complementary sweetness to the sauce.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks evenly in one pot?
Stir frequently after adding pasta and maintain a gentle simmer. Adding a splash of water or milk if needed helps prevent sticking.
- → What blender works best for pureeing the vegetables?
An immersion blender is convenient to puree directly in the pot, but a standard blender can also be used carefully.
- → Can I add more vegetables for extra nutrition?
Absolutely, spinach or other finely chopped greens added near the end of cooking can boost the veggie content without altering texture much.
- → What should I do if the sauce is too thick or thin?
Adjust consistency by stirring in small amounts of milk or water until you reach the desired creaminess.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply replace regular pasta with gluten-free varieties to accommodate gluten-free needs.