Autumn Butternut Cheddar Pasta Bake
This rich and creamy Autumn Butternut Cheddar Pasta Bake expertly marries the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash. This recipe provides a delightful balance of indulgence and nutrition, making it a perfect dish for cozy fall evenings or festive gatherings. With the smooth creaminess of melting cheddar cheese enveloping satisfying elbow macaroni, and a fragrant hint of nutmeg and pepper, this dish can easily become a family favorite. Adjust the butternut squash to macaroni ratio according to your preference for a more casserole-like experience, or keep it as is for a deliciously cheesy pasta dish that highlights the goodness of seasonal vegetables. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying those cheesy cravings.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 lb (cut in half, roasted, scooped and mashed)
elbow macaroni
1/2 lb (cooked in salted water)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
onion
1 small (chopped small)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (for thickening)
whole milk
1 cup
cheddar cheese
16 oz (cubed or grated for melting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the butternut squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise and rub the cut sides with olive oil. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 60 to 75 minutes or until soft and fully cooked. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh while it's still warm and mash it gently with a fork or spoon.
3
Cook the macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, replenishing the pasta water if necessary to keep it warm.
4
Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it's shimmery. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg and white pepper, followed by the flour, mixing well to create a roux.
5
Gradually add the whole milk a tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, just below boiling point.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cubed cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Adjust the heat as needed to keep the sauce from boiling.
7
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash, drained macaroni, and cheese sauce. Stir until all components are evenly distributed.
8
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Optionally, you can sprinkle the top with paprika or pimento for an added touch of flavor and color.
9
If preparing in advance, allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, cover it, and refrigerate until needed.
10
Bake: When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if the dish was refrigerated. Bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly throughout. For a golden finish, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
11
Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
16g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Butternut Cheddar Pasta Bake?
It is a rich and creamy dish that marries the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 9 ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How long should I roast the butternut squash?
The squash should be roasted for 60 to 75 minutes or until it is soft and fully cooked.
What is the roasting temperature for the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for roasting the squash.
What type of pasta is best for this bake?
The recipe calls for one-half pound of elbow macaroni.
How do I prepare the butternut squash for the sauce?
Cut the squash in half, roast it, and then scoop out the flesh while warm to mash it gently.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of cheddar cheese, which can be cubed or grated for melting.
What spices are used to season the cheese sauce?
Ground nutmeg and white pepper are used to provide a fragrant hint of flavor.
How should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until it is al dente, then drain well.
How do I make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt unsalted butter, saute chopped onion until soft, and stir in nutmeg, pepper, and flour.
What is the best way to add milk to the sauce?
Add the whole milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
When should I add the cheddar cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the cubed cheddar cheese until smooth.
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine the ingredients, let the mixture cool, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What temperature should the oven be for the final bake?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) when ready to serve.
How long does the dish take to bake in the oven?
Bake the assembled dish for 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.
How do I get a golden top on the pasta bake?
Place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of fat.
How much protein does this pasta bake provide?
There is 8g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 16g of carbohydrates.
Can I adjust the amount of squash in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the butternut squash to macaroni ratio to your personal preference.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one small onion, chopped into small pieces.
What can I sprinkle on top for extra color?
You can optionally sprinkle the top with paprika or pimento before baking.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole milk.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
How much butternut squash do I need?
You will need 1 pound of butternut squash.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is ideal for cozy autumn evenings.
How much flour is used for thickening?
The sauce requires 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.