Description
As a great side dish for the holiday table, Butternut Squash gives this Mac and Cheese a Creamier Mouthfeel, Full of Cheesy, Nutty Flavor and a Hint of Fresh Sage for an Herbal Note.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. (454 grams) uncooked shell or elbow pasta
- 3 tablespoons (43 grams) salted butter, divided
- 1 cup (240 grams) heavy cream
- 1 cup (230 grams) oat milk or regular whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (18 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (3.5 grams) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) white ground pepper
- 1 cup (85 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 15 oz. (425 grams) butternut squash puree
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (7 grams) snipped fresh sage, divided or 1/2 teaspoon powdered sage
- 1/4 cup (32 grams) plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup (21 grams) shredded or shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (28 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot filled with boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to pot; set aside.
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter until butter changes from yellow to golden brown with a slight nutty aroma. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in heavy cream, milk, flour, salt and pepper. Return saucepan to stove over medium heat. Continuously stir and until sauce has thickened and is slightly bubbly. Decrease heat to low.
- Mix in cheddar cheese, squash and 1 tablespoon (5 grams) of sage. Continue to mix until cheese is fully melted. Turn off heat and mix in pasta. Transfer pasta into a 2 qt baking dish.
- In a small microwavable bowl, melt 1 tablespoon (14 grams) in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, stir until fully melted. Mix in bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and walnuts. Evenly sprinkle crumb mixture over the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese becomes bubbly and the top is golden. Let macaroni and cheese to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining fresh sage. ENJOY!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: butternut squash, fall baking, macaroni and cheese, mac n cheese