I’m not sure why sometimes I just can’t make a recipe as it’s written! I think it’s because I might have tried something similar in the past and want to combine the two? Or maybe I want to add something to make it a little more nutritional? That’s what happened here. I decided to add butternut squash to the recipe to give it a little boost.
Butternut squash is high in potassium which can help keep your blood pressure in check. It’s also a great source of calcium and iron. And bonus trivia.. it’s classified as a fruit and not a vegetable.
All that fun info aside, this month’s TasteBuds selection came with this amazing recipe for Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese. If you’re not familiar with TasteBuds, it’s a relatively new monthly subscription service offered by Pampered Chef. If you ever find yourself in a recipe rut, let TasteBuds do the creative work for you!
Each month you’ll receive:
- 3 seasonings: Each month is a new theme, and you’ll get 3 packets of our seasoning blends, enough for 2–4 recipes each. Some of the seasonings are our most-loved, sometimes subscribers get early access to new seasonings, and subscribers may even receive seasonings that are exclusive to TasteBuds!
- 3 exclusive recipes: Each recipe card includes cooking tips and ways to make it your own.
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Butternut Squash Everything Bagel Mac & Cheese
Makes 8 servings
1 10oz bag frozen butternut squash
1 ½ cups vegetable stock
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 scoop Enrichables Pea Protein
1 scoop Enrichables Super Veggie
salt and pepper
1 16oz bag medium pasta shells, uncooked
2 ounces parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2½ tablespoons Pantry Everything Bagel Seasoning, divided
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- Heat an oven to 350F.
- In the Deluxe Cooking Blender, combine the squash, vegetable stock, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Turn the wheel to the Sauce setting and press the wheel to start.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta as the package directs in the Multipot. Drain the pasta and return to the Pot.
- Using the Adjustable Zester, grate the parmesan to measure 2 tablespoons. In a 3-Cup Prep Bowl, combine the parmesan, panko and 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning, and set aside.
- When prompted to “Add,” remove the vented lid cap and carefully add the butter and flour to the pitcher. Replace the cap and press the wheel to start .
- When the timer is up, press CANCEL. Remove the cap and carefully add the cubed cheese. Replace the cap and blend on speed 3 of the CUSTOM BLEND setting for 1 minute, or until the cheese is fully incorporated.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta in the Multipot. Add ½ tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning and mix well using the Mix ‘N Scraper.
- Pour the pasta into the Rectangular Baker and sprinkle the panko mixture over the top.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
Enjoy!
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