Serves: 2
Prep & Cook Time: ⏱️ 40 minutes
Type: 🥬 Vegetarian
Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets roasted butternut squash and a crunchy sage breadcrumb topping. This vegetarian comfort food is bursting with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner! 🥰
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash 🎃
- Roast spice blend: ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried rosemary, ½ tsp black pepper 🌿✨
- 180g macaroni 🍝
- 1 bunch fresh sage (or 1 tbsp dried) 🌱
- 25g breadcrumbs (or 1 slice of bread, processed into crumbs) 🍞
- 90g mature cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 vegetable stock pod 🥣
- 150g crème fraîche 🥄
- 10g Dijon mustard
- 20g grated cheese of choice (e.g., parmesan, mozzarella) 🧀
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 20g butter 🧈
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 200ml water 💧
- Salt & pepper 🧂
👩🍳 Method
1. Preheat the oven 🔥
Preheat to 200°C (fan).
2. Roast the butternut squash 🎃
Peel and cut the squash into 1cm chunks. Place on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the roast spice blend evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and spread in a single layer. Roast for about 20 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Cook the pasta 🍝
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the sage crumb 🌿
Finely chop the sage leaves (if fresh) and combine with the breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
5. Grate the cheddar 🧀
6. Make the cheese sauce 🥄🔥
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, until a paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the water until smooth (add more if necessary).
- Add the vegetable stock pod and bring to a boil, simmering 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, cheddar, and the other grated cheese. Mix until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine pasta, squash, and sauce 🥣
Stir the roasted squash and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Add a splash of water if too thick.
8. Assemble and bake 🔥🍽️
Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the sage crumb evenly on top and bake or grill for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
✨ Optional Garnish
Fry a few fresh sage leaves in butter and sprinkle on top for an aromatic finish. 🌿🧈
The Secret Street 
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