Meet your new comfort food obsession: the Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe! This velvety, golden pasta dish takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese, then bumps up the nutrition and flavor with silky, naturally sweet butternut squash. It’s creamy, cozy, and surprisingly easy to assemble—making it the perfect weeknight dinner, holiday side, or “just because” treat. A luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of Dijon mustard deliver robust cheesy flavors, while the butternut squash brings a beautiful color and lightness. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this dish checks all the boxes.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in achieving the ultimate combination of creamy sauce, comforting texture, and mouthwatering taste. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Elbow macaroni (12 oz): The classic choice for creamy sauces, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love for a twist on tradition.
Butternut squash (2 cups, peeled and cubed): This is the secret to the dish’s silky texture and gorgeous color, plus adds subtle sweetness.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the aromatics and creating a luscious base for the sauce.
Yellow onion (1 small, chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked until soft.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Brings aromatic punch, blending beautifully with the cheese and squash.
Milk (1¼ cups): Creates the creamy backbone for the sauce—use dairy or a plant-based version.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds rich, classic flavor and helps marry all the ingredients.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers bold cheesy flavor and perfect meltiness.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): For savory depth and that signature cheesy pull.
Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon): A touch of tang that balances the sauce and keeps it lively.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors running through the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For subtle heat and depth in every bite.
Nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon, optional): An optional warm spice that whispers autumn without overpowering.
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds freshness and color—an elegant finishing touch.

How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your chosen pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure it stays moist but not soggy—this will help the sauce cling later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Squash

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for three to four minutes until softened and sweetly fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Stir in the butternut squash cubes and pour in just enough water to cover them. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and easily mashed. Drain any extra water to keep the sauce from thinning out.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Carefully transfer the warm squash mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the milk, butter, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Blend until smooth, creamy, and silkier than you thought vegetables could possibly be! Pour the sauce back into your saucepan, giving it another stir to make sure everything’s fully incorporated and perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Set the saucepan with the butternut squash sauce over low heat, then gradually add the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and temptingly rich. Don’t rush this step—patience means ultimate creaminess!

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now comes the best part: pour your cooked pasta into the cheesy butternut squash sauce and mix until every piece is generously coated. This is your moment to taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if desired. Serve immediately for peak gooey comfort.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe with a flurry of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and clean flavor. If you adore a little more texture, a dusting of crunchy toasted breadcrumbs or even extra Parmesan is a showstopper, instantly elevating your serving from cozy to company-ready.

Side Dishes

Pair this heartwarming macaroni with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli for an extra veggie punch. Garlicky green beans, sautéed spinach, or even juicy roasted tomatoes all play beautifully alongside the creamy, cheesy main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe into a baked masterpiece by spooning it into a casserole dish, topping with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and broiling briefly until golden. For fun twists, serve mini portions in ramekins at a dinner party or tuck leftovers into muffin tins for adorable, portable mac and cheese cups!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps like a dream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen with time, so you’re in for a treat when reheating. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before storing to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—just portion cooled mac and cheese into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It will stay delicious for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may thicken a bit after freezing, but a splash of milk brings it back to its original splendor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the mac and cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a little extra milk as needed to restore creaminess. Stir often to heat evenly and avoid scorching the cheesy sauce. In just minutes, you’ll have revived a bowl of comfort as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash cubes are a convenient time-saver for this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe. Just cook them as you would the fresh, and make sure to drain well before blending so the sauce isn’t watery.

How do I make this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe vegan?

It’s easy! Swap in unsweetened plant-based milk, vegan butter, and your favorite dairy-free cheddar and Parmesan alternatives. The butternut squash still brings that luscious creaminess, so the flavor will shine either way.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes, you can get creative! Smoked Gouda, Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack will all work beautifully. Mix and match to create your personal cheesy dream mac!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

For the creamiest leftovers, add a splash of milk before reheating on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently, and your Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe will be as luscious as when first made.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Definitely! Fold in cooked chicken, turkey, crispy bacon, or chickpeas at the end for extra heartiness. This recipe is flexible and happy to welcome your favorite protein.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that magical balance between classic comfort and veggie-packed goodness, the Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe is your new kitchen hero. Give it a try, tweak to your heart’s content, and let it win over everyone at your table—because creamy, cheesy happiness is only a pot away!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy comfort of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. A healthier twist on the classic dish, this recipe features a velvety butternut squash sauce that coats tender pasta, topped with a cheesy finish. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Butternut Squash Sauce:

2 cups butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1¼ cups milk
1 tablespoon butter

Cheese Blend:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Butternut Squash Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, add squash and water, simmer until tender. Blend with milk, butter, mustard, salt, pepper, nutmeg. Return to pan, melt in cheeses.
Combine: Mix cooked pasta with the sauce until coated.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.