Veggie-Packed Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash
Classic macaroni and cheese enhanced with pureed cauliflower and butternut squash for a creamy, nutritious meal kids love. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 60 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cauliflower florets, butternut squash, peeled and cubed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 10 oz elbow macaroni, cooking for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Steam 1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets and 1 cup peeled cubed butternut squash for 12 minutes until very tender. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 oz softened cream cheese, the pureed vegetables, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Return the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well combined.
- Step 7: Transfer to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Veggie-Packed Macaroni 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 Veggie-Packed Macaroni 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 Veggie-Packed Macaroni 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 Veggie-Packed Macaroni 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 Veggie-Packed Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash?
American kid friendly 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.
