Description
A creamy and comforting Pumpkin Mac & Cheese recipe that combines classic cheesy pasta with the subtle sweetness and warmth of pumpkin and autumn spices. Perfect for fall dinners or any time you want a cozy, flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the mac and cheese for a crispy topping effect.
- Cook Pasta. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the melted butter and stir to combine. Then stir in the pumpkin puree and whole milk until smooth. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the pumpkin cheese sauce and stir well to coat all pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
- Prepare to Bake (Optional). If baking, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake or Serve. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy. Alternatively, serve immediately for a creamier, softer mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- Using whole milk adds to the creaminess of the sauce; you may substitute with 2% if desired.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but recommended if you want a crunchy topping.
- Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste after combining the sauce and pasta.
- This dish can be served as a main or a side dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
