Description
This creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese combines the comforting flavors of classic mac and cheese with the subtle sweetness and earthiness of pumpkin purée. Perfect for fall, this vegetarian dish uses a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to create a rich, velvety sauce seasoned with warming spices like nutmeg and garlic powder. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a cozy meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.
- Add milk and pumpkin: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth without lumps. Stir in the canned pumpkin purée and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low to prevent burning and maintain a gentle simmer.
- Melt the cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce.
- Serve warm: Plate the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese while still warm and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For extra texture and a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and additional cheese, then broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- You can use either canned or homemade pumpkin purée depending on availability.
- Adjust seasonings such as salt and spices to suit your taste preferences.
