Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 small onion, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1½ cups chicken stock
1½ cups milk
6 tbsp Tillamook Salted Butter, divided
4 cups Tillamook Farmstyle Cut Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1lb short pasta such as macaroni, cellentani or cavatappi, cooked according to package
2-3 sage leaves, finely chopped
1 cup panko or toasted breadcrumbs

In a large sauce pan or dutch oven, add butternut squash, onion, garlic, stock, milk and 3 tablespoons of butter. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 20 minutes until squash is tender.
Once cooked, blend the butternut squash along with all liquids and contents of pan in a blender until smooth and return to pan over medium heat.
Add cheese (reserving ½ cup), salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the butternut squash mixture stirring frequently until cheese has melted and mixture is smooth. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until pasta is fully incorporated.
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small skillet melt remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add sage and panko string until panko is completely coated in melted butter.
If using an oven proof dish finish off butternut squash mac and cheese by sprinkling with sage, panko, and reserved cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until panko turns a golden brown color. Serve immediately and enjoy!