Vegan Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

This vegan Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese is our go-to creamy “cheesy” pasta sauce recipe. Great meal idea for kids and adults and it is ready in under 30 minutes.

Raise your hand if you make boxed mac and cheese for you or your kids during the week?!

I am so excited to share this butternut squash twist on mac and cheese with you! And I know what you are thinking.. I am crazy for calling this macaroni and cheese. But that is really what it reminds me of! It is so creamy and flavorful and my kids devoured it as did my husband and I.

This recipe is a great alternative that also happens to be vegan too and technically there is no cheese in it. Which sounds wild because it looks and tastes like there is to me. You can of course add some cheese in if you want some too! But I love that this is a way to switch it up from the usual boxed mac + cheese.

Tip: add in anything else you are craving to this dish! Like some veggies, cooked protein or anything.

What ingredients are in vegan butternut squash macaroni and cheese:

• Pasta of choice – I used this gluten-free one but you can use any you wish
• Peeled butternut squash – cut into 1-inch cubes! I often cheat and buy this pre-cut because it saves time
• Unsweetened non-dairy milk – make sure it’s not vanilla flavored! Coconut mil works well too in here
• Oil of choice – avocado, olive, anything!
• Nutritional yeast – this is what I use to make it “cheesy” without it actually being cheese

How to make vegan creamy butternut squash mac + cheese:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions
2. Steam the butternut squash for about 10 minutes or until it’s soft (we place a steamer basket in a pot, add some water and when it’s boiling we add the squash and cook it over medium-high heat)
3. Place the steamed squash in a blender with the rest of the ingredients (except the pasta) and blend until smooth.
4. Mix the pasta and the sauce in the pot and enjoy while warm!

Best tips for success making this butternut squash mac + cheese:

• You can use any pasta you want for this recipe. I love the elbow shape for this sauce but you can use penne or anything
• Save time cutting your squash if you want and buy the pre-sliced and peeled at the store. I find this at Trader Joe’s
• Feel free to add in some veggies or protein into the pasta when you mix the sauce. Like steamed broccoli or cut up chicken or meatballs for more protein
• When you reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or water to make it extra creamy!

A few other delicious pasta dishes to make for dinner:

10-minute Creamy Zucchini Pasta (gluten-free)

No-Boil Vegetarian Pasta Bake

The Best Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta

The Easiest One Pot Pasta Recipe