Description
A cozy and creamy twist on classic mac and cheese, this Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese blends sweet butternut squash with sharp cheddar and gouda for the ultimate comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 ½ cups butternut squash purée
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add butternut squash purée, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until combined.
- Add both cheeses and stir until completely melted into a smooth sauce.
- Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve hot with an optional sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Roast your own squash for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, Trader Joe’s mac and cheese, fall comfort food, vegetarian pasta, creamy mac and cheese