Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Source: Skinny Taste

INGREDIENTS 

• Olive oil spray

• Kosher salt 

• 1 lb cubed butternut squash 

• 10 oz whole wheat elbow pasta 

• 1 ½ cups low sodium vegetable broth, divided 

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder 

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs 

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 

• 1 tsp unsalted butter 

• 1 medium shallot, minced, or substitute yellow or white onion

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour 

• 2 cups skim milk, or any available milk  

• ½ cup shredded gruyere cheese 

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 

• Chopped chives, optional, for garnish 

Number of Servings: 8

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DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9” x 11” glass baking dish with oil and set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add squash and boil until tender, 5-6 minutes

3. When fork tender, transfer squash with a slotted spoon to a blender

4. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions. When cooked, drain and put back into the pot

5. Meanwhile, add ½ cup vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper, to taste to the blender with the squash. Blend until smooth and creamy

6. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Set aside

7. Melt the butter in a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté 2 minutes. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the shallots and cook another minute

8. Add the remaining 1 cup broth and milk and whisk to combine. Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook 5 minutes, whisking frequently

9. Remove pot from heat and whisk in cheese, pureed squash, and salt and pepper to taste

10. Add sauce to noodles, gently mix to combine, then transfer mixture to prepared baking dish

11. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture and bake 25 minutes. Switch oven to high broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until crumbs are starting to brown

Try something new and add 1 or more of these!  

• Get creative! You can substitute any sharp cheese (e.g., cheddar) for the gruyere based on what you have available

• Add chicken or Italian sausage for added protein, or other vegetables (e.g. broccoli, chard, kale, carrots, etc.) for added benefits! 

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min

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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories –  275 kCal

Sodium –   462 mg

Total Fat – 7 g

Saturated Fat – 4 g

Protein – 13 g

Cholesterol – 21 mg

Total Carbohydrates – 43 g

(Per Serving)

*DV = Daily Value 

Serving size 1 cup

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