Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Rachael Ray

Recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

Show: 30 Minute MealsEpisode: Weeknight Stress Remedy

Rated 4 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 72 Reviews
Total Time:
20 min
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Yield:
5 servings (Boo counted for 2)
Level:
Easy
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I know it sounds odd, but my girl LOVED butternut squash! This dog might even go for it before a steak, especially if there were also pasta and cheese involved in the deal!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound macaroni with lines, such as tubatini or mini penne rigate
  • Salt
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (10 ounce) box frozen cooked butter nut squash, defrosted
  • 1 cup cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar, grated
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, eyeball it
  • Black pepper

Directions

Heat a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Salt the water then add the pasta and cook to al dente or, with a bite to it.

While pasta cooks, heat a medium heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add the thyme and grate the onion directly into the pot with a hand held grater or Microplane. Cook the grated onion in butter and oil 1 to 2 minutes, then add flour and cook together 1 to 2 more minutes. Whisk in stock, then combine with butternut squash until warmed through and smooth. Stir in cream or half-and-half and bring sauce to a bubble. Stir in cheeses in a figure 8 motion and season the completed sauce with salt, nutmeg and pepper. Taste to adjust seasonings.

Drain cooked pasta well and combine with sauce. Serve alongside chicken sammies and top with thyme leaves picked from remaining sprigs (Boo would also have a little extra sprinkle of that cheese, please!)

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 72 reviews

  • on December 07, 2011

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    i made this as a main course meal and added sausage to it, i also used a can of lite coconut milk instead of cream, i do the same thing when make butternut soup. its kinda bland but the squash should slip by my family with out notice.i also roasted my own squash and it did make a ton!!

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  • on November 13, 2011

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    I roasted my own butternut squash with some honey, and the recipe turned out great!

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  • on October 31, 2011

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    Fantastic recipe. Tasty and takes the guilt out of mac n cheese. Even better the second day. Throw some crunchy onions on top for some added texture.

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