Cheddar Squash Pasta Recipe

Craving comfort food without the guilt? This cheesy Cheddar Squash Pasta Bake is a healthier twist on classic mac and cheese! We're loading up rotini pasta with nutritious yellow summer squash for a creamy, satisfying meal that's surprisingly good for you. This recipe is easily adaptable – try it with broccoli, zucchini, or penne pasta! For a gourmet upgrade, skip the veggies and toss the cheesy sauce with linguine for a sophisticated, baked-free delight. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 40 minutes!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 328.9 kcal
Protein 35g
Rating Be the first
Cheddar Squash Pasta 122

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cheddar Squash Pasta

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How to Make Cheddar Squash Pasta

  1. Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan.
  2. Add 1 pound of rotini pasta and return to a boil.
  3. Add 2 medium yellow summer squash, diced, and cook until pasta is al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  4. Drain the pasta and squash, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  5. Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup of margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a paste (roux).
  7. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk into the roux until smooth and thickened.
  8. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  9. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
  10. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  11. Combine the cooked pasta, squash, and cheese sauce in the prepared baking dish.
  12. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional).
  13. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

23g

Fat

13g

Carbs

14g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Cheddar Squash Pasta?

Cheddar Squash Pasta takes about 55 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Cheddar Squash Pasta?

Cheddar Squash Pasta has approximately 328.9 calories per serving, with about 35 g protein, 14 g carbohydrates and 13 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Cheddar Squash Pasta?

The key ingredients for Cheddar Squash Pasta are Pasta, Summer Squash, Margarine, Flour, Nonfat Milk, 2% Cheddar Cheese. See the full list with measurements above.

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