Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe
Before we dive deep into the creamy goodness of Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, let's first consider what can accompany this delightful dish.
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta I used Banza chickpea noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice optional, for brightness
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- ¼ cup cremini mushrooms diced
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth for more depth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional, for a kick
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 ¾ cups shredded cheese use sharp cheddar for more flavor
- 1 cup crushed crackers preferably whole-grain or savory
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional, for added flavor
Instructions
- Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they soften.
- In the same pan, add your cubed butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the squash is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the fresh thyme.
- Transfer the cooked squash and vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth.
- In your pot with the pasta, pour in the blended squash mixture, along with reserved pasta water. Mix until everything is coated. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers over the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping. Optionally, drizzle with hot sauce for a bit of a kick.
Notes
- Increase the Nutritional Value: Toss in some spinach or kale while cooking the squash. They’ll wilt down and add extra nutrients without altering the taste.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix cheeses for a different flavor profile. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add delightful nuances.
- Season Wisely: Keep tasting! Adjust salt and spices as needed to bring out the flavors.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare a big batch and store it in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten up your dish aesthetically and flavor-wise.
Nutrition
Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 10gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 374mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!