One-Pot Squash Mac and Cheese (gluten-free)

This One-Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is absolutely delicious. It’s gluten-free, made with just a few ingredients and it’s cheesy, creamy, comforting and comes together easily.

I am craving anything any everything comfort food these days. And you know how much I love my Dairy-free One-Pot Creamy Squash Pasta, I wanted to make one that also has cheese in it. Being that my kids are keeping the dairy industry in business and they want cheese with every single meal.

Now with that being said – you bet I will find ways to add in some veggies to the dish. And this butternut squash mac and cheese is IT. It is absolutely delicious. And if you are skeptical about adding butternut squash to your mac and cheese, don’t hesitate on it. It makes the most creamy and rich mac and cheese. And with the cheese and butter and spices, it’s absolutely delicious.

This mac and cheese is a great meatless option but you can also add some protein if you want like chicken or you can also add some veggies to the mix too. I love that this dish can be a side dish or a main dish and it is a MUST make for Thanksgiving and the holidays coming up. 

This is going on the weekly rotation in my house this season. I hope you love it as much as we do.

What ingredients you need to make one-pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese:

• Butternut squash puree – or use honey squash, sweet potato or pumpkin puree
• Unsalted butter – or olive oil works as well if you want 
• Gluten-free pasta of choice – I did shells but elbows, penne also work well in this recipe
• Veggie, chicken or beef broth – either of these broths work so just use what works best for you or what you have on hand
• Shredded cheddar cheese – I usually buy a block of cheddar and grate it but you can also buy shredded cheese too in a bag
• Milk – you can also use a dairy-free milk if you don’t have cow’s milk. Just make sure it is unsweetened

How to make butternut squash mac and cheese:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot then add in garlic powder and onion powder and stir
2. Add in the pasta and mix it around so it is coated in butter
3. Pour in both and water and sea salt (if desired)
4. Cover and bring the pot to a boil then add in butternut squash puree and mix around
5. Allow the pasta to cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally or it will stick
6. Remove pot from heat and stir in cheese and milk and mix again
7. Serve warm with desired spices, more cheese like parmesan reggiano 

FAQs and Tips on making One-Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese:

• Grate the cheddar cheese if you can – pre-shredded cheese can prevent cheese from melted as well and it is anti-caking agents.
• What kind of pasta works best for this? Really any small-shaped pasta works in this recipe. I love using elbows, shells or penne when I make it.
• Is this macaroni a side dish or main? Either! I like to round it out with some veggies or protein too like broccoli, peas, chicken or whatever we are serving!
• What is the best way to reheat this? With a splash of water or milk in the microwave or skillet. Add more water/milk as needed so it gets creamier. 

A few other delicious one-pot dinners to try:

One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice

Easy One Pot Lasagna (gluten-free)

One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

One-Pot Browned Butter Alfredo