Name: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash pasta sauce; 2 cups dry pasta, elbow or favorite kind; 1/2 cup pasta water, optional to help thin down the Mac and cheese; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 cup whole milk, or milk of choice; 1 cup shredded cheese23

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This homemade butternut squash mac and cheese is comforting yet nourishing. Made with our fresh butternut squash pasta sauce and all the good add-ins that make your mac and cheese perfectly creamy. Let's make this yummy meal together!

There are times when I am craving an ultimate comfort meal. I just want a nice bowl of pasta, preferably macaroni and cheese. Although, what about mac and cheese with a seasonal twist?

This time of year, gardens and grocery stores are overflowing with fresh butternut squash. Butternut squash has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. The flavor of this squash is even more enhanced when it is roasted which is exactly what is done in our butternut squash pasta sauce recipe.

The butternut squash pasta sauce made into a mac and cheese is slightly sweet, yet creamy and perfectly cheesy. It is your ultimate end of summer comfort meal. It is warm and cozy while still having that seasonal and fresh taste. You'll be making this into the fall too of course!

Now, let's make this seasonal comfort meal together. And don't forget to save this recipe so you can come back to it again and again!

Tips to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

After your pasta is done being made, be sure to reserve the pasta water. The leftover pasta water can be used to add creaminess, as well as flavor, to the mac and cheese. The pasta water can also help the butternut squash pasta sauce cling to the pasta because of the starches in the water.

For a slightly crisp top on the mac and cheese, place it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. Having a slight crunch on the top of the butternut squash mac and cheese will be a lovely contrast to the creamy dish.

Add more cheese on the top of the mac and cheese dish. I mean who doesn't love more cheese on their mac and cheese?! But having more on top of the dish will help enhance the creamy texture.

Speaking of cheese, if you have the time, shred your own! Shredding your own cheese can create a richer, even creamier, as well as a fresher tasting macaroni and cheese.

FAQs

Is butternut squash mac and cheese good?

The flavor of butternut squash mac and cheese is like no other. This pasta dish is so creamy and full of fresh flavor that is also slightly sweet. It is a great comfort meal that also sneaks in some extra nutrients from the squash.

Is butternut squash healthy?

Butternut squash has many health benefits that make it a great addition to a comfort meal that can tend to not have many nutrients. This squash contains lots of fiber which is needed for a healthy diet. It is also known to have many vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

What cheese pairs well with butternut squash?

This recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese which adds ultimate cheesiness. Although, if you are wanting to add in some different kinds, there are a few other cheeses that pair well with butternut squash. These cheeses are sharp white cheddar, smoked gouda, and gruyere. You want cheese that will melt nice and evenly.

Why You Will Love Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese dish is so flavorful. Between the sweetness and slight nuttiness of the butternut squash, to the creamy sauce and cheesiness, this mac and cheese is the perfect closing to summer and start of fall.

You will also love this butternut squash mac and cheese because it is a great side dish. Pairing this mac and cheese with our sourdough fried chicken, homemade salmon patties, or really your favorite meal is so tasty. It is versatile and goes great with anything!

You can easily make this recipe your own. Try adding in your favorite seasonings, cooked chicken for extra protein, or your favorite kind of cheese. There are many ways to make this butternut squash mac and cheese your own!

Ingredients

Butternut squash pasta sauce - You will need half of our homemade butternut squash sauce recipe. You can either halve the recipe when making it or keep the extra to add it to something else!

Elbow Pasta - Feel free to substitute the elbow pasta for your favorite kind of pasta to use in mac and cheese.

Milk - I use whole milk in this recipe. I have never tried it with any other milk, so if you do, let me know how it goes!

Cheddar cheese - Whether it is pre-shredded or you shred a block yourself, both work great.

Salt

Pepper

Reserved Pasta Water

*We are keeping this recipe very simple. The flavor and seasonings ultimately come from the butternut squash pasta sauce. The additional mac and cheese ingredients are simple, just the way we like it!

Tools You May Need

Medium sized pot

Measuring cups

Baking dish

How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step

To start, make our homemade butternut squash pasta sauce recipe. You will only need half of this recipe so keep that in mind.

Once the homemade sauce is made, in a medium pot, boil water to make the elbow noodles (or your favorite noodles). Cook the noodles until al dente and be sure to reserve at least ½ cup of the pasta water.

In a medium saucepan on low heat, add the al dente noodles, homemade pasta sauce, milk and the shredded cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted.

Once the cheese is melted, pour into a baking safe dish and sprinkle a little more cheese on top.

Place under the broiler until the top is golden and bubbly. Be sure to watch carefully as things under the broiler can quickly burn.

Serve immediately as a meal or to complement your favorite meal. Enjoy!

Love It?

If you loved this homemade butternut squash Mac and cheese, we would love to know. Leave us a comment down below telling us about it as well as give us a review.