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

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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.

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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