Sneaking vegetables into creamy, decadent-tasting pasta sauces is a delicious bit of magic, especially when it’s this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! Whether you’re looking to appease picky toddlers or simply want a healthy version of a comfort pasta classic, this is the recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
Healthy but Tastes Indulgent. Nutritious steamed and pureed butternut squash is the foundation for the velvety cheese sauce. However (like my Pumpkin Mac and Cheese), this easy butternut squash mac and cheese tastes much more indulgent than it is. Healthy swaps like Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta make it wholesome without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Fancy if You Like. I did make this butternut squash mac and cheese with bacon and breadcrumbs (because, tasty!), but you can leave these out if you prefer to keep things as lean as possible.
Great for Kids and Adults. Because butternut squash is mild and sweet, picky eaters will never suspect this pasta is loaded with veggies Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, and Butternut Squash Pasta). This recipe looks elegant and tastes elevated without losing its inherent kid-friendly, cheesy appeal.
It’s Excellent for Special Occasions. This healthy butternut squash mac and cheese is make-ahead friendly, making it an ideal choice for special gatherings and holidays. Additionally, it’s quick and easy to prepare (thanks to frozen butternut squash) and pairs well with a myriad of main dishes. We paired this butternut squash recipe with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, but it can easily be a stellar stand-alone dish, perhaps with an Apple Walnut Salad, or coupled with a more elegant entrée like Crockpot Pork Roast or Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast.
How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
The Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pasta. An instant way to bump up the nutritional value of any pasta recipe. I recommend using a high-quality whole-wheat pasta for the ideal texture.
Butternut Squash. Adds sweet, nutty deliciousness to our scrumptious sauce without detracting from the cheesy flavor. Plus, butternut squash is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Bacon or Pancetta. Hello, crowd-pleasing, MVP addition! The drippings add a wonderful savoriness to the sauce.
Nonfat Milk. Helps make the sauce creamy.
Dry Mustard. Accentuates the cheesy flavors without being overpowering.
Spices. Nutmeg is a classic in creamy sauces and provides nuttiness; cayenne gives just a hint of spice. The spices bring out the flavor of butternut squash.
Cheeses. Parmesan and sharp cheddar are the ideal cheeses for this butternut squash mac and cheese. The Parmesan acts as a salty complement and the sharp cheddar makes this recipe as all-American as, well, macaroni and cheese!
Greek Yogurt. Makes the sauce extra creamy and slightly tangy, just like in my classic Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt so it doesn’t curdle.
Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping. Cheesy and crispy. Need I say more?
The Directions
Steam the Squash. Transfer it to a blender. Cook the pasta. Prep the topping.
Cook the Bacon. Sauté the shallot in the bacon drippings.
Puree the Squash. Pour the milk and broth into the blender, blending until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pot and add the other spices.
Simmer. It will become thick and luscious.
Make the Sauce. Whisk in the cheese and yogurt.
Stir. Add the noodles and bacon.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese. Scatter the breadcrumb topping mixture over the top.
Bake. Bake butternut squash mac and cheese at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Top with fresh chives and ENJOY!
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
To Freeze. Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to 1 day in advance, steam the squash cubes, cut the bacon or pancetta, chop the shallot, and grate the cheeses. Refrigerate each ingredient in a separate airtight storage container.
Leftover Ideas
Bulk up your mac and cheese leftovers by stirring in some Crock Pot Shredded Chicken or ground meat (turkey or beef would be tasty).
What to Serve With Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Meat. Butternut squash’s lightly sweet, caramelized flavor makes it ideal for pairing with a wide range of proteins. Grilled Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Pork Chops, and Air Fryer Turkey Breast are a few of our favorites.
Salad. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad and Arugula Salad would pair nicely with this mac and cheese.
Vegetables. Serve butternut squash mac and cheese with Roasted Mushrooms, Sauteed Spinach, or Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
Bread. Rosemary Olive Oil Bread, No Knead Focaccia, or Cornbread Muffins would be scrumptious with this recipe.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
Baking Dish. I love this baking dish, and it’s dishwasher-safe.
Cheese Grater. A must-have tool for grating your own cheese.
Dutch Oven. An all-purpose kitchen tool that you’ll have for a lifetime.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Grate Your Own Cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with a starchy substance meant to reduce clumping. That substance will cause your cheese not to melt as smoothly. Off-the-block cheese is usually less expensive than pre-shredded too.
Use Full-Fat Yogurt. Using full-fat yogurt is important here. A yogurt with less fat content is very likely to curdle.
Roasted Squash Upgrade. For a more robust, caramelized squash flavor, make roasted butternut squash mac and cheese (steamed squash works well too). See my Roasted Butternut Squash for tips on cutting butternut squash and how to roast it (omit the cinnamon if using for mac and cheese).
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This easy butternut squash mac and cheese sneaks butternut squash into the sauce for a healthy twist. Great for toddlers and picky eaters!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 55 minutesminutes
Total Time 1 hourhour5 minutesminutes
Servings 10servings
Calories 312kcal
Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated
Ingredients
1poundfrozen cubed butternut squashor fresh squash cut into 3/4-inch cubes, about 1 small squash
4strips bacon or pancetta*cut into bite-sized pieces, optional
1/4cupfinely chopped shallot or yellow onion
1cupnonfat milk
1cuplow-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
16ounceswhole wheat pastause any chunky shape, such as cavatappi (pictured), rigatoni or penne
2/3cupwhole plain Greek yogurtdo not use low fat or fat free or it may curdle
Chopped fresh chivesoptional, for serving
For the Topping:
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheeseabout 3/4 ounce
1/4cupPanko breadcrumbs
1 1/2teaspoonsextra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Steam the squash according to package instructions until fork tender (if cooking fresh squash, bring a large pot of water to boil. Add squash and boil until tender, 4-6 minutes.). Drain the squash, then transfer to a blender.
Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven or similar deep, wide pot, cook the bacon over medium-low for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fat is rendered (don’t rush it or the bacon will burn). With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly pat dry. Discard all but 1/2 tablespoon drippings from the pot.
Return the pot to medium-low heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a separate pot, cook the pasta until nearly al dente. It shouldn’t be completely crunchy but when you taste it, it should still be too firm to eat. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients: Parmesan, panko, and olive oil. Set aside.
Add the milk and broth to the blender with the squash. Blend until smooth, then pour into the pot with the shallot. Add the mustard, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne. Stir until combined
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer. Simmer, stirring very often to prevent sticking, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool 3 minutes.
Whisk in the cheddar, Parmesan, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired.
Gently stir the noodles and bacon into the sauce.
Scoop into the prepared baking dish (it will seem very saucy). Sprinkle the topping mixture over the top.
Bake the butternut squash mac and cheese for 25 minutes, then turn the oven to broil. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the Panko is lightly browned. DO NOT walk away or the topping may burn when you least expect it. Sprinkle with fresh chives. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy hot.
Notes
*For a vegetarian butternut squash mac and cheese, omit the bacon. Sauté the shallot in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil instead of the bacon drippings.
Adapted from my Pumpkin Mac & Cheese.
TO STORE: Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
TO FREEZE: Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
