5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (20-Minutes to Done!)

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Updated: October 26, 2021/ First Posted: October 26, 2021Amy Palanjian 43 Comments

If your family loves creamy, cheesy pasta and you’re looking for a simple way to up their veggie intake—because aren’t we always?!—this super simple 5-Ingredient Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese needs to be on your menu asap!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this recipe is that the squash adds that classic orange color and extra nutrients, but the kids get the cheesy pasta flavor and texture that they love.

And the method is so simple since everything cooks in the same pot, so it’s a perfect option for a busy weeknight.

You can start with a whole butternut squash and cut it yourself, or pick up a bag of precut butternut squash and you literally just need to fill a pot with water to get this recipe started!

I love this toddler pasta recipe to share with the entire family, either as a vegetarian meal or as an easy dinner alongside chicken or fish and a salad.

The flavor of the squash isn’t super strong, but I do like to tell my kids what’s in the recipe so they always know what they’re eating.

ingredients in butternut squash mac and cheese

Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe you’ll need:

Peeled and cubed butternut squash: You can start with a whole squash or pick up a precut bag at the store.
Milk: I use whole milk for maximum creaminess.
Shredded cheddar cheese: I like to use yellow so it matches the color of the squash.
Unsalted butter
Pasta: A small, classic mac and cheese shape like elbows or mini shells works nicely here.

TIP: Learn more about how to cut butternut squash here or use precut diced squash from the store.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-free: Use a favorite type of gluten-free pasta if desired.
Sub in plain unsweetened nondairy milk if preferred.
You could also use cubed frozen butternut squash or sweet potato too.

how to make butternut squash mac and cheese step by step

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to make this easy dinner. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the squash until tender.
Transfer to a blender using a slotted spoon. (Leave the water in the pot since you will use it for the pasta!)
Add the milk, butter, and cheese.
Blend super smooth.
Cook the pasta in the same pot of water. Drain it.
Stir the sauce into the pasta and serve.

TIP: You can make this more or less saucy, so start with only some of the sauce and see what your kids think.

three bowls of butternut squash mac and cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best in this healthy mac and cheese?

You can make this with any pasta shape that your family prefers—elbows would be a great choice if your kids are used to the classic boxed variety—and you can add in broccoli or peas if you want to up the veggie intake even more.

This recipe is easy to scale up too to make it with a full pound of pasta. Just click the “2x” in the recipe card at the bottom of the post to double all of the amounts.

Can I make this with canned squash?

If you have a can of butternut squash, you can sub that in and skip the step where you’d otherwise need to cook the squash. Simply add it to the blender and blend it up.

Can I use roasted butternut squash?

Sure, if you have some leftover roasted squash, you can add it right to the blender with the milk, butter, and cheese.

What else can I use the cheese sauce for?

The simple butternut squash cheese sauce is also a wonderful topping for Roasted Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or any other veggie that your kids might need a little extra encouragement to gobble up!

How to Store

Serve any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days and heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to warm. You can also make the cheese sauce and store it, then use it as you need it throughout the week with smaller servings of pasta.

Freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray for easy portions in the future.

How to Store

Serve any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and heat for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to warm.

Best Tips for Success

Use the type of pasta your family prefers, whether whole wheat, gluten-free, bean-based, or traditional.
Try serving the cheese sauce as a dipping sauce for other cooked veggies.
You can use canned butternut squash puree if desired.
Use orange cheese for the most vivid orange color.
Stir in frozen peas (which will thaw in the warm pasta) to add another easy veggie.
My kids like this with a little less sauce than the recipe makes, though I prefer it saucy. You can stir in as much or as little as you like and store the leftover sauce in an airtight container to use on another day.
Double the recipe to make more!
You may also like Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, One-Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese with Peas, and Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese.

I’d love to know how your family enjoys this recipe, so please comment below to share!

This post was first published September 2018.