Description
This Healthy Squash Mac & Cheese is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic. Featuring butternut squash and roasted broccoli, it makes a perfect Light Mac and Cheese or Low Calorie Mac and Cheese option. Enjoy a comforting Mac and Cheese with Vegetables that’s also Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head broccoli about 2–3 cups florets
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil divided
- salt/pepper to taste
- 16 ounces whole wheat elbows or shells or lentil/chickpea pasta of choice
- 1 pound butternut squash peeled and cubed about 4 cups
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast optional
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or protein of choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Wash and cut the broccoli, placing it on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with 1 Tablespoon oil and add salt/pepper to taste.
- Roast the broccoli for about 18-20 minutes until tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions then drain and set aside.
- Warm the remaining oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté for about 4-6 minutes, adding salt/pepper to taste.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the milk and stir.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then return to pan over low heat.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast and salt/pepper.
- Stir in shredded cheese until completely melted into the sauce.
- Pour pasta into pan and stir until evenly coated.
- Mix in roasted broccoli and cooked bacon or protein of choice, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
- You can also steam the broccoli instead of roasting it if desired
- To make vegan, omit cheese and add an extra 1/2 cup plant-based milk or use vegan cheese
- Feel free to add chicken ground beef or any protein of choice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 597 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g + 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg