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Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles

December 9, 2025
By Amaya
2 min read
Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
Best for ages 1-2 years

Listen to this recipe

Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles

0:003:00
100%
Prep Time
5 minutes
Servings
1 serving
Difficulty
Easy

A creamy and comforting twist on mac and cheese, perfect for little ones! Butternut squash adds natural sweetness and vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

All ingredients needed for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles arranged on a clean surface
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (macaroni, small shells, or fusilli)
  • 1/2 cup butternut squash purée (fresh or unsalted canned)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk or formula
  • 2 tablespoons grated mild cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (optional)
  • Pinch of paprika or garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1

Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 1: Fill a small pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
2

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until very soft, about 8-10 minutes. It should be easily squished between your fingers.

Step 2: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until very soft, about 8-10 minutes. It should be easily for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
3

Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
4

While the pasta is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the butternut squash purée, milk/formula, and butter (if using) over low heat.

Step 4: While the pasta is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine the butternut squash purée, milk/formula, a for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
5

Stir continuously until the mixture is warmed through and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Stir continuously until the mixture is warmed through and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
6

Add the grated cheddar cheese to the saucepan and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the saucepan and continue stirring until the cheese is completely m for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
7

If using, add a tiny pinch of paprika or garlic powder for a hint of flavor. Be cautious not to add too much.

Step 7: If using, add a tiny pinch of paprika or garlic powder for a hint of flavor. Be cautious not to add for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
8

If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of milk/formula to reach the desired creamy consistency.

Step 8: If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of milk/formula to reach the desired creamy consistenc for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
9

Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the butternut squash cheese sauce.

Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the butternut squash cheese sauce. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
10

Stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 10: Stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
11

If desired, gently mash the pasta and sauce with the back of a spoon to break down any larger pieces, especially for younger babies.

Step 11: If desired, gently mash the pasta and sauce with the back of a spoon to break down any larger pieces for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
12

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly to a safe temperature before serving.

Step 12: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly to a safe temperature before ser for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
13

Serve immediately. You can spoon-feed it or allow your baby to self-feed with small pieces.

Step 13: Serve immediately. You can spoon-feed it or allow your baby to self-feed with small pieces. for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles
14

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to loosen.

Step 14: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently with a s for Cheesy Butternut Squash Smiles

Safety Notes

  • Adult supervision required during cooking and while feeding.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked until very soft to prevent choking.
  • Cool the mixture to a safe temperature before serving to avoid burns.
  • Check for any allergic reactions to dairy or gluten.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 250 kcal per serving

Protein: 10g

Carbs: 30g

Fat: 10g

Allergen Information

milkwheat/gluten

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