Description
This Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite, packed with pureed cauliflower, carrots, and squash for added nutrition. Perfect for picky eaters, this recipe blends vegetables into the cheesy sauce, delivering a deliciously smooth and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped butternut squash or sweet potato
Sauce
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of paprika or mustard powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni or your chosen small pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Steam or Boil Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, steam or boil the cauliflower florets, diced carrots, and chopped butternut squash or sweet potato until they are very soft, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the vegetables thoroughly and transfer them to a blender.
- Make the Veggie Sauce: Add the milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the blender with the cooked vegetables. Blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a rich vegetable-based cheese sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Cheese: Pour the blended veggie sauce into the pasta pot over low heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and stir thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy veggie cheese sauce. Warm through gently, adjust seasoning to your taste, and if desired, sprinkle with paprika or mustard powder for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese hot, optionally topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
- Great for picky eaters—kids won’t even notice the veggies.
- You can freeze the veggie sauce separately for quick future meals.
- For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken or white beans before serving.
