Mac and Cheese with a (Healthy) Fall Touch

As the weather turns cold I always find myself starting to crave comfort foods, and in my mind few things scream comfort more than good old mac and cheese. Being a clean eater, I'm not as fond of the processed cheesy version I loved so much in my childhood and decided it needed some cleaning up and a fresh take. As always I like to incorporate in season ingredients, and for me a quintessential ingredient of Fall is the butternut squash. By roasting the seasoned squash and caramelizing the onions before baking, the flavors are allowed to reach a higher potential. As an added bonus this recipe is gluten free!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

 Serves 4


Ingredients:
8oz Brown rice pasta (can use whole wheat pasta, but will not be GF) [Trader Joe's - $1.99 for 1lb, $1 used here]
12 oz Raw butternut squash [Trader Joe's - $1.29 for one squash, ~ $.75 used here]
4oz Lite shredded mozzarella [Trader Joe's - $3.99 for 1lb, $1 used here]
1/4c Grated Parmesan [Trader Joe's - $2.99 for a tub, $.50 used here]
1 small onion [Trader Joe's - $.50]
1/4c Low sodium chicken stock [Ralphs - $.79 for a can, $.20 used here]
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and chop butternut squash into chunks and arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil. Coat lightly with olive oil cooking spray and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes or until very tender and easy pierced with a fork.

• Meanwhile saute sliced onion over medium heat until translucent and slightly brown and caramelized. Cook pasta according to package directions until cooked but slightly al dente.

• Combine roasted squash, caramelized onions, and chicken stock in a food processor and pulse until completely combined and pureed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

• In a casserole dish, combine pasta with butternut squash mixture. Top with an even layer of mozzarella and then the parmesan. Put under the broiler until cheese is melted and slightly browned, about 7 minutes.

Total cost: $3.95 total, $.99 per serving

Nutrition facts: 333 calories, 5.9g fat (2.6g saturated, 0g trans), 16mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 55.7g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 3.7g sugar, 14.6g protein, [187% Vit A, 32% Vit C, 27% Calcium, 26% Iron].