Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2

Return the pot to the stove and turn on medium heat. Add the butter and let it start melting. Once it starts to melt, sprinkle in the flour over the butter and whisk together. Stir in milk, cheese, butternut squash puree, salt, and garlic powder. Over low heat, stirring often, cook mixture until thickened and smooth in texture. About 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the pasta back into the pot with the butternut squash/cheese sauce. Mix until all the pasta is coated. Stir in peas, is using, and let them "cook" in the hot pasta for a few minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of extra milk if needed to thin out cheese sauce.

Step 4

Taste and add extra salt or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy warm