Recipe: Veggie-Loaded Mac & Cheese
This creamy, delectable macaroni and cheese is the definition of comfort food. In an epic stroke of blended brilliance, this one-dish meal brings you lean protein, a mondo-dose of calcium and vitamin A, a full serving of vegetables, complex carbohydrates for sustainable energy, and all the cozy, cheesy winter vibes you could desire. The sauce contains an entire butternut squash and a cauliflower to boost the nutritional impact of this otherwise unassuming kid-friendly dinner.
An immersion blender can be a very helpful tool to make this recipe prep a snap, but it’s not necessary. You can use a regular blender, food processor, or even a potato masher (though the blend-ier options will get you a smoother sauce). To save time, you can also purchase the butternut squash and cauliflower already cubed (fresh or frozen).
Let me know in the comments if you give this recipe a try!
Veggie-Loaded Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 whole butternut squash
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice macaroni sub any whole grain or legume-based pasta if desired
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 block reduced fat cream cheese 8 ounces
- 2-3 Tbsp low fat milk
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 c diced ham
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water on high heat to boil (include a strainer basket if you have one).
- Roughly chop cauliflower into large florets. Peel and cube butternut squash.
- When water is boiling, add butternut and squash and boil until fork tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- While vegetables are boiling, shred cheese.
- Strain vegetables from boiling water and add macaroni to same water. Cook according to package directions. Note: this adds flavor and nutrition to the noodles, but to save time, you can cook macaroni in a separate pot at the same time as the vegetables.
- While macaroni is cooking, place squash and cauliflower in a large casserole dish with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings. Using an immersion or stick blender, blend very thoroughly until sauce is smooth and creamy and there are no large pieces of vegetable remaining.Note: If you do not have an immersion blender, perform this step in a regular blender or a food processor and add to casserole dish when done.
- When macaroni is done cooking, drain and add noodles and ham to casserole dish with sauce. Stir until well combined.
Notes
Disclaimer: Products purchased through affiliate links will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products that I have used and believe in.
Leave a Comment