Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy mac and cheese where pureed cauliflower and roasted butternut squash blend into the cheese sauce for extra creaminess and hidden nutrition. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 60 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cauliflower florets, peeled and cubed butternut squash for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Steam 2 cups cauliflower florets for 8-10 minutes until very tender. Transfer cauliflower and roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, pureed cauliflower and butternut squash, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika until smooth and creamy.
  7. Step 7: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
  8. Step 8: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
  9. Step 9: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash?

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 elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash?

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 Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

What goes well with Vegetable-Infused Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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