Go Back
Healthy Mac and Cheese

Healthy Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash

Next-level mac and cheese that's secretly the best healthier comfort food dinner idea, featuring hidden butternut squash in a creamy cheese sauce with roasted broccoli.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups broccoli florets about 1 head
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 16 oz whole wheat elbows or shells or lentil/chickpea pasta
  • 1 pound butternut squash peeled and cubed, about 4 cups
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast optional
  • 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon or protein of choice

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Deep saute pan or sauce pan
  • Immersion blender or high-speed blender

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash and cut the broccoli, placing it on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and add salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Roast the broccoli for about 18-20 minutes or until tender.
  3. While the broccoli is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  4. Warm up the remaining oil in a deep saute pan over medium-high heat. Add in the cubed butternut squash and saute for about 4-6 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat, then add in the milk and stir. Use an immersion blender or pour the mixture into a blender and blend to create a smooth puree.
  7. Place back in the pan over low heat. Add in the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast (optional), and salt and pepper.
  8. Add the shredded cheese and remove from heat, stirring often, until it's completely melted into the sauce.
  9. Pour the pasta into the pan and stir until evenly coated. Mix in the roasted broccoli and cooked bacon (or protein of choice), serve, and enjoy.

Notes

You can also steam the broccoli instead of roasting it, if desired. To make vegan, simply omit the cheese and add an extra 1/2 cup of plant-based (unsweetened) milk. Feel free to add chicken, ground beef, or any protein of choice. Use pre-cubed butternut squash from the grocery store to save time.
QR Code linking back to recipe