Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fall flavors, this dish is a sure crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
8 ounces elbow macaroni;
Cheese Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup canned pumpkin purée; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the pumpkin purée, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- You can also bake the finished mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy finish.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
