Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese


  • Cooking spray
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
  • 2 ounces Monterrey jack cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon powdered mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper.

Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

Comments

Anonymous said…
What delicious mac & cheese!
November 25, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Anonymous said…
Oh my goodness...this looks amazing! I just discovered your blog and am loving everything I see!!! You have some beautiful recipes...
November 26, 2008 at 11:38 AM
What's for Supper? said…
I like the penne pasta variation. Great job!
November 27, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Leslie said…
Yum! Your ma and cheese looks amazing! I'm glad you liked it too!
November 30, 2008 at 5:48 PM
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