Prep Time 8 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes
There's nothing my daughter loves more than pasta with cheese sauce but like any mom I like to try to make her favorite foods more healthy and nutritious. This pasta sauce is so creamy and delicious it will become a family favorite fast!
by Meredith Steele
What you'll need
- 1/2 pound uncooked pasta or 4 cups cooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Helpful Tip:
Butternut squash puree can be found at most major grocery stores. You can also make it home by simply roasting a butternut squash that has been cut in half and seeds discarded. Place the squash face down in a baking dish and roast for 45 minutes until tender in 425°F oven. Remove the squash by scooping it out of the skin with a spoon and place it in a food processor or blender to puree or place in a bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.
Notes:
serves 4 to 6
Variations:
Serve with grilled or sauteed chicken for a complete meal.
How to make it
- Cook uncooked pasta according to package directions. Strain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, about 1 minute. Slowly add milk while whisking and bring to a simmer. Simmer while stirring occasionally until the milk has thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add butternut squash puree, cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer until mixture is smooth and thick, about 3 more minutes.
- In a bowl, pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until pasta is covered with the sauce. Taste and add any additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve.
