Mac and cheese at it’s finest! So creamy, so rich + so amazing yet it’s so much healthier than traditional mac and cheese!
4.8 stars (12 ratings)
Ingredients
8ouncesmedium pasta shells
6slicesbacon, diced
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
3clovesgarlic, minced
1shallot, minced
2tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1 ½tablespoonsfinely chopped sage
1 ¼cupshalf and half
1cupwhole milk
115-ounce can butternut squash puree*
1teaspoonDijon mustard
10ouncesshredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 2 1/2 cups
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2tablespoonschopped fresh chives
Instructions
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and shallot, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Whisk in flour and sage until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in half and half, milk, butternut squash and Dijon. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in pasta and cheese until melted, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with bacon and chives, if desired.
Notes
*Sweet potato or pumpkin puree can be substituted.