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Healthy Mac Cheese Simple Delicious Comfort Food

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This Healthy Squash Mac & Cheese is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic. Featuring butternut squash and roasted broccoli, it makes a perfect Light Mac and Cheese or Low Calorie Mac and Cheese option. Enjoy a comforting Mac and Cheese with Vegetables that’s also Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese friendly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head broccoli about 2–3 cups florets
  • 3 Tablespoons avocado oil divided
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • 16 ounces whole wheat elbows or shells or lentil/chickpea pasta of choice
  • 1 pound butternut squash peeled and cubed about 4 cups
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast optional
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon or protein of choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Wash and cut the broccoli, placing it on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with 1 Tablespoon oil and add salt/pepper to taste.
  4. Roast the broccoli for about 18-20 minutes until tender.
  5. Cook the pasta according to package directions then drain and set aside.
  6. Warm the remaining oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat.
  7. Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté for about 4-6 minutes, adding salt/pepper to taste.
  8. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
  9. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat, add the milk and stir.
  11. Blend the mixture until smooth, then return to pan over low heat.
  12. Add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast and salt/pepper.
  13. Stir in shredded cheese until completely melted into the sauce.
  14. Pour pasta into pan and stir until evenly coated.
  15. Mix in roasted broccoli and cooked bacon or protein of choice, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
  • You can also steam the broccoli instead of roasting it if desired
  • To make vegan, omit cheese and add an extra 1/2 cup plant-based milk or use vegan cheese
  • Feel free to add chicken ground beef or any protein of choice

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/healthy-mac-cheese/