Butternut Mac & Cheese

Butternut Mac & Cheese is a kid favorite with a twist of golden butternut squash. A perfect side dish for your upcoming Christmas gathering!

• Fresh Thyme olive oil cooking spray
• 1 (7 oz.) pkg. white Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 oz. (½ cup) Asiago cheese, finely shredded
• 2½ Tbsp. Fresh Thyme all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 (16 oz.) containers Fresh Thyme butternut squash cubes, divided
• 12 oz. Fresh Thyme farfalle pasta (about 4½ cups)
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. Fresh Thyme salted butter, divided
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 2½ cups 2% reduced-fat milk
• 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. plain panko bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 2½-qt. baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a bowl, toss Cheddar and Asiago cheeses with 1 Tbsp. flour; set aside.
2. Cut 1 cup of squash cubes in half. Cook pasta per package directions; add cut-up squash during last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and squash.
3. Meanwhile, place remaining squash in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with water. Cover and microwave on HIGH 9 to 11 minutes or until very soft, stirring halfway through. Drain. Transfer to food processor and process until mashed.
4. In a large saucepan, melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Add shallot; cook over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until softened. Whisk together milk and remaining 1½ Tbsp. flour until combined; add to shallot in pan. Stir in rosemary, black pepper, and mashed squash. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese mixture. Cook and stir 1 minute.
5. Stir cooked pasta and squash pieces into sauce mixture. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Mix remaining 1 Tbsp. butter with panko crumbs; sprinkle over pasta. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges.

Recipe from: Butternut Mac & Cheese | Fresh Thyme