
Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Cost $10, save $15
Source: Recommended by CookPal
- 30 Min
- 6 Servings
- $10
Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Cost $10, save $15
Source: Recommended by CookPal
- 30 Min
- 6 Servings
- $10
INGREDIENTS
Pasta
- 16 ounces rigatoni pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 3 cups whole milk
- 🧈 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Vegetables
- 3 cups butternut squash
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
Condiments
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
STEPS
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water; set pasta aside.
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add butternut squash, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir in milk, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, nutmeg, and turmeric and bring to a boil over high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender, about 6 minutes.
Transfer squash mixture into a blender and add Dijon mustard. Secure lid on blender, and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening. Process until very smooth, about 30 seconds.
Add pasta and pureed squash mixture to Dutch oven; gently heat over medium until pasta is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Stir in Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan and cook over low, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook, stirring often, and add remaining cooking water, 1/4 cup at a time, as needed, until sauce is creamy and clings to pasta, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with additional salt to taste.
Divide among bowls and garnish with thyme, black pepper, and Parmesan.
NUTRIENTS
Per 1 serving🔥
412
Calories
- 19Protein
- 43Carbs
- 19Fats
💡 Use fresh butternut squash for maximum flavor.Reserve pasta cooking water to ensure the sauce remains creamy.For an added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before serving.