Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta
With just a few simple ingredients, you will create a warm and cozy fall meal your whole family will love. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post, where you will find them in the recipe card.
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape is great for holding all of the creamy, cheesy, butternut squash sauce, so every bite is flavorful and delicious. Butternut Squash: The star of the show! It provides a sweet, creamy flavor and texture that complements the other flavors in the dish. Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and warm flavor. It needs to be melted for this recipe. Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps thin the sauce so it spreads evenly over the noodles. Half and Half: Gives the sauce a sweet, creamy texture and flavor. Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for this dish because it adds a bold, vibrant flavor that really goes well with the creamy butternut squash. Salt and Pepper: To Taste!
How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta
This recipe comes together quickly and easily! If you’re a busy mom like me, I recommend using store-bought cut-up butternut squash to save yourself even more time! Either way, your family is going to love this fun fall meal!
Pasta Options: You can use any kind of pasta in place of the macaroni noodles. I like using one like elbows or shells because it holds the sauce well. Seasonings: I keep this recipe simple by seasoning it with salt and pepper, but you can season it to your liking. Other good additions are fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, or sage. Simplify Butternut Squash: Some grocery stores sell cubed squash seasonally in the deli area, which takes out the bulk of the work in this recipe if you can find it! You can also use frozen cubed butternut squash, just thaw before using. Peeling Butternut Squash: To make peeling your butternut squash easier, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes. Just make sure to poke a few holes in it to allow steam to release.
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