Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful goodness of this Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. The addition of pumpkin puree gives this classic comfort food a delightful twist that’s perfect for the fall season. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in pumpkin puree, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until fully coated. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree.
- For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs and bake for a baked version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
