Imagine diving into a bowl of decadent, creamy mac and cheese that's not only incredibly delicious but also completely plant-based and gluten-free. This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is about to revolutionize your comfort food game, proving that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its velvety smooth sauce, rich nutritional profile, and mouthwatering taste, this recipe will make you forget all about traditional dairy-laden mac and cheese.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast the butternut squash for 25-30 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- While the squash is roasting, soak the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them completely.
- Scoop out the roasted squash flesh and transfer to a high-speed blender. Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the blender.
- Add nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a rich sauce.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Pour the blended butternut squash sauce over the pasta and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If sauce is too thick, thin with a little vegetable broth.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional herbs like chopped parsley or chives for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose a ripe butternut squash with deep orange flesh for the most vibrant color and sweetest flavor.
- Soak cashews in hot water to ensure a ultra-smooth, creamy sauce texture.
- Use a high-speed blender to achieve the silkiest sauce possible.
- Don't overcook your gluten-free pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushiness.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding roasted vegetables like spinach or kale to your mac and cheese.
- Experiment with different herb garnishes like nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs to customize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
