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Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe with Sage

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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese featuring roasted butternut squash and fresh sage, offering a subtle sweetness and warm herbal notes. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (about 1 small to medium squash)
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 8–10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sage leaves. Sauté gently for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the butter-sage mixture. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk followed by the roasted butternut squash puree (blend roasted squash until smooth). Stir until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a crunchier topping, add toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan before baking. Watch the casserole closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning; cover with foil if needed. Roasting the squash enhances sweetness and texture. Use fresh sage for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, mac and cheese, creamy, sage, comfort food, roasted squash, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-sage-easy-and-perfect/