Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe because it’s like the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. The butternut squash brings this naturally sweet, velvety creaminess that makes the sauce rich without being heavy — perfect for when you want something cozy but not overly indulgent. I first tried this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted mac and cheese but was craving something a little different, and honestly, it blew me away.

One of the best things about this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe is how versatile it is; it works just as well as a weeknight family dinner as it does for a holiday side dish. The hidden veggies sneak in nutrition without anyone noticing, which is a total win if you have picky eaters or just want a slightly lighter version of traditional mac and cheese. You’ll find that once you get the hang of combining those simple ingredients, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a role in balancing flavors and textures — from the sweetness of squash to the sharp punch of cheese. When shopping, choose fresh, firm butternut squash and good-quality cheese for the best flavor.

• Butternut squash: Pick a firm squash with no soft spots; this will cook down into a creamy, naturally sweet base for your sauce.
• Vegetable or chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want better control of salt later on in the recipe.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but 2% is fine if you prefer lighter.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a subtle savory depth that complements the sweet squash beautifully.
• Small/medium pasta shells (or any preferred shape): Shells are perfect since they scoop up all that creamy sauce.
• Kale (optional): Adds a pop of color and texture, plus nutrition—the stems should be removed to avoid toughness.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This adds tang and extra creaminess while keeping it light; don’t skip it!
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings—adjust to your taste after blending the sauce.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
• Shredded cheese (Gruyère or sharp white cheddar): These melt beautifully and bring that irresistible mac and cheese flavor.
• Breadcrumbs (optional topping): Adds a lovely crunchy contrast when baked on top.
• Fresh thyme leaves and extra pepper (optional toppings): For an herbal finish and extra seasoning at serving time.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love tinkering with the Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to customize it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs — this recipe is forgiving and adaptable!

• Vegan Version: I’ve swapped the cheese for vegan cheese and used coconut milk and it still turned out amazing after baking a little longer.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños gives it a nice warming heat that my family adores.
• Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits to make it a heartier meal.
• Seasonal Greens: Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if I’m aiming for a softer, milder green addition.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Butternut Squash Mixture

Start by combining peeled and cubed butternut squash, broth, milk, and minced garlic in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes — you’re aiming for the squash to be super tender, so test it with a fork. This is key because if the squash isn’t soft enough, your sauce won’t blend into that silky smooth texture we all want.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Optional Kale

While the squash simmers, boil the pasta according to package instructions, but stop when it’s just al dente—it’ll cook a little more in the oven later. If you’re adding kale (which I highly recommend for that extra green boost), throw it in during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to soften it slightly but keep some texture. Drain everything and set aside.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce and Add Cheese

Carefully transfer the warm squash mixture, including all the liquid, into a blender or food processor. Add the Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg, then blend until silky smooth. Once blended, pour the sauce into a large bowl and stir in your shredded cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese starts breaking down. Don’t worry if it’s not totally melted — it’ll finish melting in the oven.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Kale, and Sauce

Add your drained pasta and kale to the cheesy butternut squash sauce and gently stir everything to combine. It might seem a little saucy at first, but trust me, the pasta will soak it all up while baking, leaving you with that dreamy creamy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Top with breadcrumbs and an extra sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get that bubbly, lightly browned finish.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I really enjoy topping this mac and cheese with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper — it adds a subtle herbal freshness that brightens up the dish. Sometimes, I also throw on a tiny drizzle of truffle oil if I’m feeling fancy, which elevates the flavor without overpowering the creamy squash sauce.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts for some crunch and bitterness. For a heartier meal, I often serve it alongside roasted chicken or pork chops—the creaminess plays so well with juicy, savory meats.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this mac and cheese in individual ramekins and serve them on a wooden board sprinkled with fresh thyme and breadcrumbs for a charming rustic touch. It’s perfect for dinner parties when you want to wow guests with something comforting yet elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the mac and cheese has cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find that it tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together — just be sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers before baking. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake covered in the oven until warmed through — the texture holds up really well, which is a super convenient option for meal prep.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep the mac and cheese moist and creamy. You can sprinkle a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before reheating for that just-baked feel. Microwave reheating works too, but I prefer the oven method for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s comforting, nourishing, and simple enough for any night of the week. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a fresh take on a classic favorite—your family will go crazy for the cozy creaminess and slight sweetness that only butternut squash can bring. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a regular desk-to-dinner winner in your kitchen!

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