Healthy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, Butternut Squash, and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This healthy mac and cheese recipe is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli and butternut squash. It’s creamy, cheesy, and offers a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli (about 2-3 cups florets)
• 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• Salt and 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 cups 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat remaining 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cubed butternut squash, broth, and milk. Cover and cook until squash is very tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove saucepan from heat. Using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender, puree the squash mixture until smooth and creamy. Return to low heat.
5. Step 5: Stir in garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, cheese sauce, and cooked bacon or your choice of protein. Mix gently until well combined.
7. Step 7: Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute cheese with vegan cheddar and use plant-based milk and broth.
• Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein instead of bacon.
• Swapping nutritional yeast with extra cheese adds richness if you don’t have it on hand.
• Try different veggies like spinach or peas for added color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat or lentil pasta?

Yes, regular pasta works well too, though whole wheat or legume-based pasta adds extra fiber and protein for a healthier dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Healthy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, Butternut Squash, and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with nutrient-rich ingredients like butternut squash and broccoli, offering a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Using whole wheat or legume-based pasta and adding vegetables and protein makes this dish both satisfying and nourishing.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Protein

• 1 head broccoli (about 2–3 cups florets)
• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon (or protein of choice)

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

• 16 ounces whole wheat elbows or shells (or lentil/chickpea pasta of choice)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Broccoli: Cut broccoli into florets and toss with 1 tablespoon avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Roast or sauté until tender and lightly browned. Set aside.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Butternut Squash: In a skillet or medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium heat. Add cubed butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Make Cheese Sauce Base: Add chicken or vegetable broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and nutritional yeast to the cooked squash. Blend mixture using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Sauce with Cheese: Return the blended sauce to the skillet, heat gently, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Combine All Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, roasted broccoli, and cooked bacon (or preferred protein) to the cheese sauce. Stir well to evenly coat everything with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Serve warm as a wholesome, comforting meal.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or replace it with grilled mushrooms or smoked tofu.
• Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan alternative, though the recipe is designed with dairy cheese.
• Roasting broccoli brings out a nuttier flavor, but you can also steam or sauté it.
• Adjust thickness of sauce by adding more broth or milk if needed.

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