Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese 5 Ingredients

The beauty of this pasta recipe for kids is that the squash adds that classic orange color and extra nutrients, but the kids get the cheesy pasta flavor and texture that they love. You don’t need to fuss with a flour-based roux or any complicated steps. And the method is so simple since everything cooks in the same pot, so it’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight. You can start with a whole butternut squash and learn how to cut butternut squash, or pick up a bag of precut butternut squash and you literally just need to fill a pot with water to get this recipe started. I love this vegetable sauce for pasta to share with the entire family, either as a vegetarian meal or as an easy dinner alongside chicken or fish and a salad. The flavor of the squash isn’t super strong, but I do like to tell my kids what’s in the recipe so they always know what they’re eating. (You may also like Hidden Vegetable Mac and Cheese, Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese, and Pasta in Broth.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this butternut squash mac and cheese recipe you’ll need the following ingredients. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Peeled and cubed butternut squash: You can start with a whole squash or pick up a precut bag at the store. Milk: I use whole milk for maximum creaminess. Shredded cheddar cheese: I like to use yellow so it matches the color of the squash. Unsalted butter: I like to use unsalted butter in my kitchen so I can control the salt. Salted butter also works if that’s what you have. Pasta: A small, classic mac and cheese shape like elbow macaroni or mini shells works nicely here.

TIP: Learn more about how to cut butternut squash here or use precut diced squash from the store.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-free: Use a favorite type of gluten-free pasta if desired. Sub in plain unsweetened nondairy milk if preferred. You could also use cubed frozen butternut squash or sweet potato too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this easy butternut squash mac and cheese recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including the amounts and timing. TIP: You can make this more or less saucy, so start with only some of the sauce and see what your kids think.

What else can I use the cheese sauce for?

The simple butternut squash cheese sauce is also a wonderful topping for Roasted Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or any other veggie that your kids might need a little extra encouragement to gobble up!

How to Store

Serve any leftover butternut mac and cheese in an airtight container or dish in the fridge for 3-5 days and heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to warm. You can also make the cheese sauce and store it, then use it as you need it throughout the week with smaller servings of pasta. Warm it in brief increments, whisking it back into a creamy, well-combined sauce as needed. Freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for easy portions, then once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag to freeze to use in the future.

Best Tips for Success

Use the type of pasta or macaroni your family prefers, whether whole wheat, gluten-free, bean-based, or traditional. Try serving the cheese sauce as a dipping sauce for other cooked vegetables. You can use canned butternut squash puree if desired. Use orange cheese (like mild or sharp cheddar cheese) for the most vivid orange color. Stir in frozen peas (which will thaw in the warm pasta) to add another easy veggie. Add a pinch of garlic powder or crushed fresh rosemary for more flavor. My kids like this with a little less sauce than the recipe makes, though I prefer it saucy. You can stir in as much or as little as you like and store the leftover sauce in an airtight container to use on another day. It has such a creamy texture!

I’d love to know how your family enjoys this recipe, so please comment below to share!