Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, about 2 pounds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

This is the ultimate comfort food to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 28, 2026

enzo81.xyz

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

50 minutes

Total

1 hour 5 minutes

Serves

There is nothing better than a warm bowl of pasta when the weather turns cool. This version uses pureed butternut squash to make the sauce extra silky and colorful without being too heavy.

It is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into dinner for the kids. If you want a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before a quick trip under the broiler.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, about 2 pounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
16 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

9Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and brush the flesh with olive oil.
3
Roast the squash face down for about 40 minutes until it is soft, then let it cool and scoop the flesh into a blender to puree it.
4
While the squash is roasting, cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions and drain it.
5
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the minced garlic for about one minute.
6
Whisk in the milk and two cups of the pureed butternut squash until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.
7
Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese until they are completely melted.
8
Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce.
9
Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is coated.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can add a splash of milk when reheating on the stove to make the sauce creamy again.

#dinner #vegetarian #healthy #comfort food #pasta

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