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Overhead view of a ceramic bowl filled with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese topped with black pepper.

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

This dairy-free butternut squash mac and cheese recipe has all the soft textures and rich, cheesy flavors of traditional mac and cheese. It’s a veggie-filled side or main that’s loved by everyone and quick to make. 

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 20 mins Total: 35 mins
Servings: 6-8 (8 cups) 1x
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups cubed butternut squash, fresh or frozen
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets, fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth* 
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine salt
  • ½ tsp teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tsp teaspoon onion powder
  • 16 ounces dry elbows, shells, or penne pasta, cooked al dente**
  • Optional for garnish: black pepper, minced fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and/or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan with lid, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions start to soften, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant, about another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Add the cubed squash, cauliflower, and broth. Then bring the mixture to a steady simmer.
  5. Once simmering, cover the pan with the lid and cook until the vegetables are very tender, 15-18 minutes. You may need to lower the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer while preventing it from boiling over.
  6. When the veggies are very tender, transfer the veggies and liquid to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cover and puree until very smooth.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. 
  8. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the same saucepan or a pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. 
  9. Pour the sauce over top of the cooked pasta. Toss until pasta is coated in the sauce and serve warm. 
  10. If desired, top with optional garnishes.
  11. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

* For vegan, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

** For gluten free, use gluten-free pasta, such as gluten-free macaroni shells, penne, or elbow noodles.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (1 1/3 cups)
  • Calories: 366
  • Fat: 4 g
  • (Sat Fat: 1 g)
  • Sodium: 645 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • (Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 8 g)
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 2 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians
Recipe By: Molly Slama