Description
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a creamy sauce made from blended cauliflower, carrots, and butternut squash that sneaks in extra vegetables while keeping the beloved cheesy flavor. Perfect for a kid-friendly meal or a wholesome family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with extra protein if desired.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Veggie Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, carrots, and butternut squash. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add just enough water to cover the vegetables, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until tender.
- Blend the Veggie Sauce: Drain the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a blender. Add the milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, creating the base for your sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Pour the blended veggie sauce back into the pot over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauces meld together and the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to fully coat the pasta with the creamy vegetable cheese sauce. Heat gently until warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the hidden veggie mac and cheese warm, optionally topped with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- This recipe is an excellent way to sneak extra vegetables into a kid-friendly dish without compromising on flavor.
- You can prepare the veggie cheese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days for quick meal prep.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken pieces or white beans when combining the pasta with the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute non-dairy milk and cheese to make this recipe dairy-free if desired.
