Healthy Mac and Cheese with Broccoli, Butternut Squash, and Bacon Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
