Description
Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe cleverly incorporates pureed vegetables into a creamy cheese sauce, making it a perfect way to sneak veggies into a kid-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor. With simple ingredients and stovetop cooking, it offers a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup butternut squash or sweet potato, peeled and cubed
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a separate pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, chopped carrots, and cubed butternut squash or sweet potato. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften.
- Simmer the vegetables: Add just enough water to the pot to cover the vegetables. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the vegetable sauce: Drain the cooked vegetables and transfer them to a blender. Add the milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Make the cheese sauce: Pour the blended vegetable sauce back into the same pot and warm it over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Heat gently over low heat just until the dish is warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese warm. Optionally, top with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- This recipe is a fantastic way to sneak nutritious vegetables into a kid-friendly meal without compromising taste.
- You can prepare the vegetable sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for convenience.
- For an extra protein boost, stir in cooked chicken or white beans before serving.
