Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
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Prep Time:25 Minutes
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Cook Time:PT70M45 Minutes
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Yield:4-6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (macaroni, fusilli, penne, shells)
- 1 (12 ounces) can evaporated milk
- 1 (15 ounces) can pumpkin puree (or squash puree)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg or pumpkin pie seasoning (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) grated or chopped sharp-flavored melting cheese (such as cheddar, Gouda or gruyere)
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated or chopped mild flavored melting cheese (such as jack, mozzarella or Havarti)
- ΒΌ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 1 cup panko or other breadcrumbs
- 453.59g short pasta (macaroni, fusilli, penne, shells)
- 1 (340.19g) can evaporated milk
- 1 (425.24g) can pumpkin puree (or squash puree)
- 38.34g butter
- 25.56g flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg or pumpkin pie seasoning (optional)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- 473.18ml (8 ounces) grated or chopped sharp-flavored melting cheese (such as cheddar, Gouda or gruyere)
- 236.59ml (4 ounces) grated or chopped mild flavored melting cheese (such as jack, mozzarella or Havarti)
- 59.15ml grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 236.59ml panko or other breadcrumbs
Upgrade your mac & cheese for fall meals with the addition of pumpkin. Rich, creamy and cheesy with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to please.
Preparation
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
STEP 2
Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
STEP 3
Combine milk and pumpkin puree in a bowl.
STEP 4
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to melted butter and whisk until combined. Cook for 3 minutes then slowly add the milk and pumpkin mixture while whisking. Bring just to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly. Season lightly with salt, pepper and nutmeg or pie spice (if using) and garlic powder (if using). Turn off heat.
STEP 5
Add cheeses small amounts at a time while stirring to melt completely (turn heat to low if needed). If sauce is too thick add a small amount of water or additional milk (this can vary based on which cheeses are used). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
STEP 6
Add pasta to saucepan and stir gently to evenly coat, then pour into a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with panko or breadcrumbs and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Options
Some great additions to this could be one or more of the following: roasted cubes of pumpkin or squash, roasted green chiles or chopped chipotle peppers, cooked chorizo, Italian sausage, bacon or pancetta, chopped kale, spinach or chard, or chopped fresh herbs such as sage, thyme or chives.