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HEALTHY MAC CHEESE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

Healthy Mac Cheese Simple Delicious Comfort Food

This Healthy Mac Cheese recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese. Featuring real butternut squash, roasted broccoli, and whole wheat pasta, it offers a light and comforting meal perfect for families. Great as a Light Mac and Cheese or Skinny Mac and Cheese option, this recipe is naturally healthy and easy to customize with your favorite protein or to make vegan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 474
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head broccoli (about 2-3 cups florets)
  • 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • salt/pepper (to taste)
  • 16 ounces whole wheat elbows or shells (or lentil/chickpea pasta of choice)
  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon (or protein of choice)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Wash and cut the broccoli, placing it on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with 1 Tablespoon oil and add salt/pepper to taste.
  4. Roast the broccoli for about 18-20 minutes or until tender.
  5. While the broccoli is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions.
  6. Drain and set aside.
  7. Warm up the remaining oil in a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat.
  8. Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté for 4-6 minutes.
  9. Add salt/pepper to taste.
  10. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
  11. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  12. Remove from heat, add the milk and stir.
  13. Blend the mixture with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth.
  14. Return to pan over low heat.
  15. Add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast (optional), and salt/pepper.
  16. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted into sauce.
  17. Pour pasta into sauce and stir to coat evenly.
  18. Mix in roasted broccoli and cooked bacon or protein of choice.
  19. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can steam broccoli instead of roasting if preferred.
  • To make vegan, omit cheese and add 1/2 cup extra plant-based milk or use vegan cheese.
  • Add chicken, ground beef, or protein of choice to customize.
  • Great as a meal prep option and stores well in the fridge.