Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired)
This creamy pasta layers sweet, velvety butternut squash with a rich blend of Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, lifted by warm spices and aromatic herbs. Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired) is comforting yet nuanced, perfect for cozy weeknights or a festive fall side. The sage and thyme add an herbaceous finish that balances the cheesy sauce.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook30 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired), not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 52 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 18 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 56 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 39
- Heart Health
- 72
- Metabolic
- 44
- Digestive
- 24
- Inflammatory
- 35
- Performance
- 39
- General Wellness
- 1
Assemble all ingredients.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to the package for slightly firm doneness. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water; set the pasta aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add butternut squash, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- 4
Stir in milk, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, nutmeg, and turmeric, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender, about 6 minutes.
- 5
Transfer the squash mixture to a blender and add Dijon mustard. Secure the lid, then remove the center piece to let steam escape. Cover the opening with a clean towel. Blend until very smooth, about 30 seconds. (Alternatively, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, about 3 minutes.)
- 6
Return the pasta and pureed squash mixture to the Dutch oven; gently heat over medium until the pasta is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Stir in Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook, stirring often, adding the remaining cooking water 1/4 cup at a time as needed, until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with additional salt to taste.
- 7
Divide into bowls and garnish with thyme, black pepper, and Parmesan.
- Calories 570.0 kcal High 29%
- Protein 23.97 g Good Source 48%
- Carbohydrate 78.0 g 28%
- Total Fat 19.53 g High 25%
- Saturated Fat 11.57 g High 58%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 59.09 mg Moderate 20%
- Sodium 345.88 mg Moderate 15%
- Dietary Fiber 6.15 g Good Source 22%
- Total Sugars 9.02 g --
- Added Sugars 0.16 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 440.48 mg Good Source 34%
- Iron 3.77 mg Good Source 21%
- Potassium 489.23 mg Moderate 10%
- Vitamin A 61.96 mcg Low Source 7%
- Vitamin C 0.35 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 1.45 mcg Low Source 7%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Mustard
- Garlic 🧄
About This Recipe
Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe's Inspired) is made with 17 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 45 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Black Pepper, Butternut Squash Cubes, Cayenne Pepper, and Dijon Mustard. Each serving provides about 570.0 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired) made of?
- The main ingredients are Black Pepper, Butternut Squash Cubes, Cayenne Pepper, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Dill. The full list of 17 is above.
- How long does it take to make Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired)?
- About 45 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 570.0 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired) easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 17 ingredients and 7 steps.
- Is Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired) healthy?
- Homestyle Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese (Trader Joe’s Inspired) has an easyChef Pro health score of 42/100. Per serving, it provides 570.0 calories and 23.97 g of protein, or 48% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of dietary fiber, calcium and iron. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 345.88 mg (15% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 11.57 g (58% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Mustard and Garlic, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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