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Healthy Mac and Cheese in a white bowl, topped with shredded cheese and fresh parsley.

Healthy Mac and Cheese

Lori MauerLori Mauer
Cozy up to this Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe, secretly packed with creamy butternut squash and sweet caramelized onions. Family-friendly comfort!
4.60 from 5 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 476 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small butternut squash cubed
  • 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup fontina or Gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook macaroni: Boil the macaroni as per the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside.
    Sautéing yellow onions in a skillet for Healthy Mac and Cheese.
  • Caramelize onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden and release a sweet aroma, about 20 minutes.
    Caramelizing onions in a skillet for Healthy Mac and Cheese.
  • Prepare squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove seeds, and cube the flesh. In a pot, bring the broth to a boil and cook the squash until it's tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
    Cooking cubed butternut squash in broth for Healthy Mac and Cheese.
  • Blend sauce: After the squash is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the broth and drain the rest. Transfer the squash to a blender, add the caramelized onions, milk, salt, and reserved broth. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
    healthy Mac and Cheese
  • Combine and serve: Pour the squash sauce over the cooked macaroni, add the shredded cheese, and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is well combined. If needed, adjust the consistency with a bit of water or milk. Garnish with parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
    healthy Mac and Cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 17gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 1914mgFiber: 6g
Keyword healthy mac and cheese, healthy macaroni and cheese, mac and cheese, veggie mac and cheese
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