5-Ingredient High Protein Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
This high protein butternut squash mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and super easy dinner made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl with lid
- Large pot or saucepan
- Blender (immersion or stand blender)
Ingredients
- 16 oz dry pasta
- 16 oz butternut squash (cubed; approx 3.5-4 cups)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 4 garlic cloves
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Steam the butternut squash. Place cubed butternut squash and whole garlic cloves in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of water and cover with a microwave-safe plate or lid. Microwave for 8 minutes, or until the squash is very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Make the pasta sauce. Add the steamed butternut squash, garlic, cottage cheese, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to a blender. If using an immersion blender, add everything to a large mixing bowl. Blend until smooth. Add another ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and blend again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add pasta sauce to the drained pasta. Return the drained pasta to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar, stirring continuously. Add the remaining ¼ cup of reserved pasta water and stir until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- I like to steam the butternut squash and garlic together in the microwave because it's easy and convenient! But you can also steam them in a saucepan (separate from the pasta) if you prefer.
- Keep the heat low when mixing the pasta + sauce: To prevent the sauce from curdling, make sure you keep the saucepan on low heat during step #4. Even when you’re mixing in the shredded cheese, keep it on low heat!
- Make sure to reserve the pasta water before draining! I’m the queen of forgetting this step, but it’s super important for this recipe! If you forget, you can use milk or warm water instead.
- If you find the pasta to be a little bland, you can add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of thyme and nutmeg for some extra flavor. I added some pre-cooked chicken meatballs to mine, which also added some extra flavor and protein!