Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with roasted butternut squash and Gouda cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 2 cups raw butternut squash (about 12 ounces cooked)
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup shredded gouda (about 6 ounces)
• ½ cup shredded parmesan (about 3 ounces)
• 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar (about 3 ounces)
• 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes for topping (optional)
• Chili oil for topping (optional)

How To Make Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

1. Roast the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roast the butternut squash until it is soft and tender, about 25 minutes.
2. Make the squash puree: Once the squash has cooled slightly, scoop the soft flesh away from the skin and add it to a blender. Add the milk, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, paprika, nutmeg, and cayenne. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Start the sauce: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and the bay leaf. Pour in the blended butternut squash puree and stir, allowing it to cook down and the flavors to meld. Keep this sauce on low heat while you prepare the pasta.
4. Cook the pasta: In a separate large pot, cook the rigatoni in boiling salted water until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
5. Combine and melt: Drain the pasta and pour it directly into the pot with the butternut squash sauce. Add the shredded cheeses and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and a smooth, creamy sauce fully coats the pasta. Add more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with red pepper flakes and a drizzle of chili oil if you like a bit of heat.

Recipe Tips

• How do you get the smoothest sauce? Using a blender (an immersion blender or a standard one) is key to getting a perfectly silky butternut squash puree. Also, don’t forget to use the reserved starchy pasta water; it helps the cheese melt into a glossy, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. While rigatoni is great for catching the sauce, this would also be delicious with other sturdy shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne.
• What’s the best way to save time? You can often buy pre-cut butternut squash to speed up the roasting process. For an even quicker shortcut, you can use about 1 ½ cups of canned 100% pure butternut squash puree instead of roasting it yourself.
• Can I make this a baked mac and cheese? Yes. After combining everything, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.

What To Serve With Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This is a rich and hearty main course that doesn’t require much on the side. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with:

• Simple roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• A crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Crusty garlic bread for sopping up any extra sauce

How To Store Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken and absorb into the pasta as it cools.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or a little water to loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1/6th of recipe
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Tortellini Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Bomba Sauce Recipe