Butternut Squash Mac + Cheese – Al Dente

Ingredients

• 12 oz Al Dente Pasta
• 4 slices bacon diced
• 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 1 shallot minced
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1 15 ounce can butternut squash puree or soup options: sweet potato or pumpkin puree or soup
• 10 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper optional for heat
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives optional garnish, fresh