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Creamy Stovetop Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (Easy, 20 Minutes)

creamy stovetop butternut squash mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick and creamy stovetop mac and cheese with butternut squash blended into the sauce for a velvety texture and hidden veggies. Ready in 20 minutes, this kid-approved recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, combine cubed butternut squash, minced garlic, and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook 8-10 minutes until squash is fork-tender.
  3. Remove saucepan from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend squash mixture until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer to a regular blender, blend, and return to saucepan.)
  4. Add milk, butter, and Dijon mustard to the squash puree. Stir over low heat until butter is melted and sauce is glossy.
  5. Reduce heat to lowest setting. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is mostly melted before adding the next. Stir in optional nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Drain pasta and return to large pot. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir until well coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Cube squash evenly (½-inch) for quick cooking. Don’t skip Dijon mustard—it enhances cheese flavor without adding mustard taste. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For easier peeling, microwave whole squash for 2-3 minutes first. Sauce thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, 20 minute dinner, hidden veggie mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/creamy-stovetop-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-easy-20-minutes/