Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese | The Next Recipes

Indulge in this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese — a healthy, cozy, and easy homemade mac and cheese recipe from The Next Recipes. Perfect for fall dinners and weeknight comfort.

Introduction

There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta on a chilly fall evening. But when you add the sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the mix, you take comfort food to a whole new level. This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is everything you love about classic mac and cheese — rich, gooey, and comforting — but with a healthier, flavorful twist that makes it feel gourmet.

This isn’t just another pasta dish. It’s a velvety, golden-hued masterpiece that perfectly balances savory cheese with the natural sweetness of butternut squash. The result is a wholesome mac and cheese recipe that’s cozy, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

At The Next Recipes, we believe great food should be both comforting and creative — and this butternut squash mac and cheese proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, fall gathering, or as a make-ahead weekday meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, creamy, and cheesy comfort food favorite. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Optional Topping (for baked version):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

This ingredient list makes a rich and creamy mac and cheese that’s both comforting and subtly sweet — the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Roasting deepens the flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the squash is roasted, transfer it to a blender. Add ½ cup of warm milk and blend until smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious base for your butternut squash cheese sauce.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the remaining milk, whisking constantly until thickened and silky.

Add the pureed butternut squash, then stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be velvety, cheesy, and golden.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing until every noodle is beautifully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamier texture.

For an extra indulgent version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is incredibly versatile. Serve it as:

• A cozy main dish: Perfect on its own for a comforting weeknight dinner.
• A side dish: Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled vegetables.
• A holiday favorite: A unique, fall-inspired addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
• Kid-friendly meal: A sneaky way to get more veggies into your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese for a beautiful presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is the ultimate cozy comfort dish — creamy, cheesy, and secretly loaded with veggies! The roasted butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture, blending perfectly with melted cheddar and parmesan for a rich, satisfying bite. It’s a fall favorite that’s both indulgent and wholesome — perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 Servings

Course: comfort food, main dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Fall Recipe

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Sauce:
• 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups milk whole or 2%
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika optional
• For the Pasta:
• 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 1 tbsp salt for boiling water

Equipment

• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Blender or immersion blender
• Baking dish (optional for baked version)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons

Method

 

1. Cook the Pasta
2. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Squash
4. In a saucepan, add butternut squash and cover with water. Boil for 10–12 minutes or until tender. Drain.
5. Blend the Sauce Base
6. Add cooked squash, milk, and butter to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. Make the Cheese Sauce
8. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Add the Cheese
10. Stir in cheddar and parmesan until melted and smooth.
11. Combine & Serve
12. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated. Serve warm or transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden cheesy top.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

Make it gluten-free by using GF pasta and flour.

Add spinach or peas for a veggie boost.

Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s healthier than traditional mac and cheese, thanks to the butternut squash.
• It’s rich, creamy, and comforting — perfect for fall.
• It’s easy to make ahead and reheat for busy nights.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• It’s versatile, working as a main course or side dish.

This homemade mac and cheese recipe takes everything you love about comfort food and makes it more wholesome, flavorful, and seasonal.

FAQ

Conclusion with Call-to-Action

If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and a little bit indulgent, this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is your new go-to comfort dish. It’s the perfect balance of cozy fall flavor and creamy texture, proving that comfort food can also be wholesome and elegant.

Try this recipe tonight and taste the difference that roasted butternut squash makes — it’s rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful. Then, visit The Next Recipes for more creative, seasonal dishes that bring warmth and inspiration to your kitchen.

Leave a comment, share your version, and explore more homemade comfort food recipes that turn everyday meals into unforgettable moments — only on The Next Recipes.