Cheesy Butternut Squash Cavatappi Bake

By jeknudson

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 8 ounces dried cavatappi or other elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 6 ounces fontina cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 slices reduced-sodium bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
• Thinly sliced green onions (optional)

Details

Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 50mins
Adapted from bhg.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 2-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine squash and 2 Tbsp. water; cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes; stir. Microwave, covered, about 4 minutes more or until squash is tender. Carefully remove plastic wrap. Mash squash; set aside.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a medium saucepan heat butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and green onions. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in squash. Add pasta. Gently fold to combine.

4. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Add remaining pasta and cheese. Top with bacon, if desired. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Top with additional green onions, If desired.