Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy dish that’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients? Say hello to Butternut Squash Mac n Cheeze! This mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort food will make your taste buds dance with joy while keeping your health goals in check. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this vibrant and flavorful meal in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Dive into our article to discover how to create this irresistible dish that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cube the butternut squash into small, uniform pieces, ensuring each cube is approximately 1-inch in size for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed butternut squash and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a high-speed blender. Add nutritional yeast, almond milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, creating a vibrant orange sauce.
- Return the drained pasta to the original pot. Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta, stirring gently to ensure complete coating. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. For extra richness, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. The mac n cheeze can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Perfectly Cubed Squash: When preparing your butternut squash, aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and caramelization, enhancing the flavor of your dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save that 1/2 cup of pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency, making it creamier without losing flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess: For the smoothest sauce, use a high-speed blender. The goal is to achieve a velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Season to Taste: After mixing the sauce with the pasta, taste your dish! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your palate.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty meal later on!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
