Description
Creamy and delicious Hidden Veggie Mac & Cheese is a kid-friendly dish that sneaks in extra vegetables for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines the richness of a traditional mac and cheese with a velvety veggie sauce that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Veggie Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots
- 1 cup peeled and diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Veggie Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add cauliflower, carrots, and butternut squash. Simmer until tender. Blend with milk until smooth.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Return the veggie sauce to the saucepan over low heat. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, butter, salt, pepper, and paprika until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring to coat. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can freeze the veggie sauce ahead of time for quick meals.
- Add peas or finely chopped spinach for extra green veggies.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a dietary variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
