Boos Butternut Squash Mac-n-Cheese Recipe

Name: Boos Butternut Squash Mac-n-Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Coarse salt; 1 pound macaroni with ridges, such as tubettini or mini penne rigate; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (once around the pan); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus a few sprigs for garnish; 1/2 medium onion; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken stock or broth; 1 10-ounce box frozen cooked butternut squash, defrosted; 1 cup cream or half-and-half; 2 cups (8 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (a couple of handfuls); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (eyeball it); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Servings: persons

Coarse salt
1 pound macaroni with ridges, such as tubettini or mini penne rigate
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (once around the pan)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus a few sprigs for garnish
1/2 medium onion
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock or broth
1 10-ounce box frozen cooked butternut squash, defrosted
1 cup cream or half-and-half
2 cups (8 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (a couple of handfuls)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (eyeball it)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1
Heat a pot of water to boil for the pasta.
2
Salt the water, then add the pasta and cook al dente, or with a bite to it.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
4
Add the EVOO and butter.
5
When the butter melts into the oil, add the thyme and grate the onion directly into the pot with a hand-held grater or Microplane.
6
Cook the grated onions for a minute or 2, then add the flour and cook together for a minute or 2 more.
7
Whisk in the stock, then add the butternut squash and cook until warmed through and smooth.
8
Stir in the cream and bring the sauce to a bubble.
9
Stir in the cheeses in a figure-eight motion and season the completed sauce with salt, nutmeg, and pepper.
10
Taste to adjust seasonings.
11
Drain the cooked pasta well and combine with the sauce.
12
Serve alongside chicken sammies or all on its own with a green salad.
13
Garnish with thyme leaves.
14
(Boo would also have a little extra sprinkle of that cheese, please!)
15
Boo was my dog, my friend, and my test-kitchen eater for twelve years (eighty-four, to her) and about 2,700 recipes.
16
These recipes are a tribute to all the flavors and foods Boo loved best.
17
I was the luckiest girl in the world to share my life and so much good food with Miss Boo.
18
When you make this meal, have a bite for her or for the special animal in your life.

988

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Coarse salt, 1 pound macaroni with ridges, such as tubettini or mini penne rigate, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) (once around the pan), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and more.

Yes, Boos Butternut Squash Mac-n-Cheese falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Boos Butternut Squash Mac-n-Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions