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Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Let’s learn how to make butternut squash mac and cheese – the perfect recipe to add to any cozy fall menu! It’s creamy, cheesy, and nutty but all flavors are balanced out so well. With subtle notes of sage and thyme paired with the rich brown butter flavor, you’re left with mac and cheese so good you won’t be able to put your fork down. The best part is it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 16 ounces mezze rigatoni pasta or any shape of choice
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 1 15 ounce can butternut squash puree
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or use 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic for more flavor
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt add more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sage finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • dash of cayenne powder
  • 2 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 3/4 cup gouda grated
  • 1/4 cup parmesan grated

Instructions 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the butter. Allow the butter to melt and brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then whisk in the flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes until it just starts to bubble and turns a golden color. Make sure to whisk constantly to avoid clumping.
  3. Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking until smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens up like a bechamel. Then add the butternut squash puree, dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, nutmeg, onion powder, and cayenne powder. Whisk together.
  4. Reduce the heat to low or turn off the heat entirely and add all the cheeses. Whisk together until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is completely smooth. Taste and adjust anything to your liking.
  5. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and toss it into the sauce. Mix together and serve warm!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!