Description
A creamy, single-serving mac and cheese that uses roasted butternut squash to replace heavy cream and reduce cheese costs, resulting in a delicious, budget-friendly comfort meal ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/2 tsp olive oil (for roasting squash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil and salt, then roast on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until tender and browned.
- While squash roasts, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water before draining.
- Transfer roasted squash to a blender or food processor. Add milk and minced garlic, then blend until completely smooth.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add squash purée and smoked paprika, stirring constantly until hot and smooth.
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a teaspoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with toasted breadcrumbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Roasting the squash is essential for flavor and texture; avoid using canned squash as it is too watery. Shred your own cheese to prevent graininess caused by anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation. Do not freeze leftovers as the dairy and squash may separate upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 18
Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, budget meal, single serving, comfort food, easy dinner, vegetarian mac and cheese, quick recipes