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creamy butternut squash mac and cheese meal prep - featured image

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: Easy Meal Prep for 4 Days

  • Author: Liliana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A comforting, creamy mac and cheese made with roasted butternut squash puree that reheats perfectly for meal prep. This recipe offers a nutritious twist on classic comfort food, balancing rich cheese flavors with the natural sweetness of squash.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (approx. 2 lbs / 900g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting squash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Cool roasted squash for 10 minutes, then blend into a smooth puree using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in flour (implied for roux, though quantity not explicitly stated, standard ratio applies) and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until golden.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes).
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in squash puree, nutmeg, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Add shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
  9. Fold in cooked pasta. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if too thick.
  10. Portion into containers for meal prep.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce and when reheated. Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Make the sauce slightly thinner than usual as the pasta will absorb liquid during storage. Cool completely before refrigerating.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 580
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, meal prep, comfort food, vegetarian, easy dinner, healthy mac and cheese, make ahead meals

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Find it online: https://dinnerecipeshub.com/creamy-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-easy-meal-prep-for-4-days/