Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, nutrient-rich mac and cheese enriched with roasted butternut squash, perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs macaroni, roasted and cubed butternut squash, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 8 oz macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and stir for 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/4 tsp salt, then cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained macaroni and 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes to the cheese sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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