Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
A cozy twist on traditional mac and cheese infused with creamy pumpkin puree for a deliciously rich flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- Any pasta shape (elbows, shells, penne, etc.)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup sharp or mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or nutmeg
- Optional: crushed breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Cook your pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, reserving about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in pumpkin puree until combined.
- Add the cheese: Stir in cheddar until melted, then add mozzarella, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine and season: Mix cooked pasta into the sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Serve it up: Spoon into bowls, optionally broil with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and spices. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mac and cheese, comfort food, fall recipe, vegetarian