Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time::15 mins

Cook Time::30 mins

Total Time::45 mins

Servings::6 (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 6 (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups) servings

16 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 cups cubed (3/4 inch pieces) peeled butternut squash (from 1 small [1 1/2 pound] squash)

6 fresh sage leaves

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish

3 cups whole milk

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 cup shredded sharp yellow Cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Gouda cheese

2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

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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.

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While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add butternut squash, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.

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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.

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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. (Alternatively, puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth, about 3 minutes).

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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.

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Divide among bowls and garnish with thyme, black pepper, and Parmesan.

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