Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting fall recipe that combines the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin puree with gooey melted cheese. This hearty dish offers a nutritious twist on classic mac and cheese with seasonal warmth, perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta and flour substitute are used)
Ingredients
Pasta
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta shape, 12 oz (340g)
Cheese Sauce
- Butter, 4 tablespoons (56g)
- All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (30g)
- Milk or cream, 3 cups (720ml)
- Pumpkin puree (pure, unsweetened), 1 cup (240g)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups shredded (about 8 oz / 225g)
- Mozzarella or gouda cheese, 1 cup shredded (about 4 oz / 115g)
- Nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt, 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, usually about one minute less than package instructions, so it doesn’t overcook during baking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in pumpkin puree and seasonings before melting in the cheese blend gradually.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the pumpkin cheese sauce over the pasta and stir gently to coat every piece evenly with that rich, creamy sauce.
- Bake for Perfection (Optional): Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top for that irresistible crust.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, better melting sauce.
- Don’t skip seasoning – pumpkin has a mild flavor that needs spices and salt to shine.
- Serve immediately to preserve creamy texture.
- Choose pure, unsweetened pumpkin puree rather than pie filling.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mac and cheese, fall recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta, autumn cooking, creamy pumpkin dish
Find it online: https://eazyum.com/pumpkin-mac-and-cheese/