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Healthy Mac & Cheese Recipe

Healthy Mac & Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

A healthier twist on classic mac and cheese featuring roasted broccoli, creamy butternut squash sauce, whole wheat pasta, and optional bacon for protein, delivering a delicious, nutrient-packed comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 head broccoli (about 2–3 cups florets)
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)

Oils & Fats

  • 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided

Dry Goods & Grains

  • 16 ounces whole wheat elbows or shells (or lentil/chickpea pasta of choice)

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (optional)
  • salt/pepper to taste

Dairy & Protein

  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon (or protein of choice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
  2. Cut Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into florets and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle With Oil: Drizzle the broccoli with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Roast Broccoli: Roast the broccoli in the oven for about 18-20 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the broccoli roasts, cook the whole wheat or alternative pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  6. Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
  7. Heat Remaining Oil: Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a deep sauté pan or saucepan over medium-high heat.
  8. Sauté Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pan and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Season Squash: Add salt and pepper to taste while sautéing the squash.
  10. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  11. Simmer Squash: Cover the pan and let the squash simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until soft and fully cooked.
  12. Add Milk: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the milk to begin forming the sauce.
  13. Puree Sauce: Use an immersion blender or transfer the squash mixture to a blender to blend until smooth and creamy.
  14. Return to Heat: Pour the smooth squash sauce back into the pan and place over low heat.
  15. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste.
  16. Add Cheese: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese and stir frequently until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  17. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  18. Add Broccoli and Bacon: Fold in the roasted broccoli florets and cooked bacon or your choice of protein into the pasta mixture.
  19. Serve: Serve the healthy mac and cheese warm and enjoy this comforting, nutritious dish.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based protein.
  • Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor while boosting nutrients and making the dish vegan-friendly if cheese is omitted.
  • Whole wheat or legume-based pasta adds extra fiber and protein compared to traditional pasta.
  • Roasting broccoli enhances its flavor and texture, adding a pleasant crunch.
  • The butternut squash puree creates a creamy, naturally sweet base for the cheese sauce, reducing the need for heavy cream.
  • Feel free to adjust spices to suit your taste preference.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta to maintain a good texture when mixed with the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy mac and cheese, roasted broccoli mac and cheese, butternut squash cheese sauce, whole wheat pasta, nutritious comfort food, easy healthy dinner

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/healthy-mac-and-cheese-recipe/