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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This comforting dish combines tender pasta with a velvety pumpkin cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. The main ingredients—pumpkin puree, sharp cheddar, and pasta—come together through simmering, melting, and baking, resulting in a rich, golden-brown casserole with a smooth, cheesy interior and a crunchy topping.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (elbows or shells) sturdy shape to hold sauce
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree canned or roasted
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese preferably freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided, for sauce and topping
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 1.5 cups milk whole or almond milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but adds warmth
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Panko works best
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until slightly bubbling and fragrant.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the pumpkin puree, grated cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and the remaining butter. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese and pumpkin sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, and crispy pumpkin mac and cheese!