Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This creamy vegan butternut squash mac and cheese is a healthy family meal made with whole food plant-based ingredients that is done in 30 minutes. A complete one dish meal the butternut squash is packed with vitamins and nutrients.

I have weird kids. One of them detests mac and cheese. The other loves mac and cheese but dislikes pasta with marinara. Both kids are perfectly happy eating pasta completely plain with nothing on it, but I, on the other hand am not thrilled about them eating loads of carbs without any additional nutritional value.

I wanted to come up with a vegan butternut squash mac and cheese that would be a compromise between my two differential children. I also wanted a recipe that contained vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber so I would feel better about serving them pasta, AGAIN!

It took me many trials and errors before I came up with a recipe that turned out the way I envisioned. This recipe was my fifth attempt, and I was about ready to throw in the towel. BUT I finally got it right with the texture, the flavor, and a “cheese” sauce that would stick to the pasta!

Now it’s become one of our favorite vegan prep meals!

Why You’ll Love this Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese…

• Healthy Whole Food Plant-Based Ingredients
• High in Potassium and Vitamin A
• Protein packed pasta meal
• High in Fiber
• Kid Friendly
• Gluten-Free Option
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Quick and Easy 30 Minute Meal

Ingredients You Need for Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• 3 cups of cubed butternut squash (small butternut squash)
• 1 clove of garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
• 1 cup dairy free unsweetened milk
• Parsley for garnish
• 12 oz of whole wheat pasta (or lentil pasta for gluten-free alternative)

Tools and Equipment You Need

• High Speed Blender
• Medium Pot
• Sheet Pan

It took me a long time to finally break down and buy a high speed blender, but oh boy, I’m sure glad I did. For years I tried to get away with using my standard counter top blender. It was okay for most jobs, but when I started using my blender to make vegan cheese sauces, pureed soups, and smoothies, it just wasn’t cutting it anymore. If you want perfectly smooth, creamy and luscious vegan sauces, soups, smoothies, and even ice creams, a high speed blender is a must.

I love my Vitamix but there are many other more affordable options on the market now if you’re not ready to make the financial commitment to a Vitamix. I also recommend Blendtec as a mid-range high speed blender, and the Ninja as an affordable high speed blender.

How to Make Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut butternut squash into 1 inch cubes. Place on parchment or aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.

Step 2: While butternut squash is roasting boil salted water for the pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions.

Step 3: When butternut squash is done roasting, place in blender with all other ingredients.

Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more dairy free milk if sauce appears to be too thick.

Step 4: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain pasta. Add back to pot with ½ cup of pasta water. Pour butternut squash “cheese” sauce over the pasta. Stir to combine. Serve with fresh cut herbs such as parsley.

Tips for Making Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• To get a nice and creamy texture make sure the butternut squash is completely cooked through. It should be soft and creamy on the inside. Pierce with a fork to make sure squash is cooked completely.
• Add more dairy free milk as needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Add 1 tablespoon at a time so you don’t over do it.
• Use a high speed blender to get the creamy consistency. If you don’t have a high speed blender use a food processor.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The pasta water helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
• Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley.

Is Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese healthy?

• Whole Food Plant-Based Ingredients-This version of mac and cheese uses all whole food ingredients unlike the boxed macaroni and cheese you find at the grocery store.
• Added Vitamins and Minerals–Butternut squash is a good source of vitamin A and potassium. In addition, the nutrient content of butternut squash is good for digestion, blood flow, and healthy hair, and skin.
• Low in Fat and Calories-This meal comes in at under 400 calories and 5 grams of fat. There is zero cholesterol since the mac and cheese is made with plants!
• High in Fiber-The whole wheat pasta has added fiber as well as the butternut squash making this a fiber rich meal. Fiber is essential to helping your digestive system work properly. It also helps you feel fuller longer making this a hearty and filling one bowl meal. One serving has 31% of your daily recommended fiber.

What can be added to vegan butternut squash mac and cheese?

This is a hearty one bowl meal all its own, but you can add more veggies, herbs, or spices to the mac and cheese to suit your taste. Here are some ideas…

• Parsley
• Sage
• Dill
• Peas
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Top with breadcrumbs and bake
• Make a fresh green salad to serve along side.

Check-Out these Other Butternut Squash Recipes?

• Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Kale Salad with Cranberries and Butternut Squash
• Vegan Butternut Squash Curry by Healthy Nibbles

If you’ve tried this Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, please rate the recipe and let me know how they turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more vegan plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!

Recipe