Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
705 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Description
This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe starts with cooking elbow macaroni to al dente and preparing a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour to thicken the sauce. Milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth are added gradually to build a rich, creamy base. Seasonings including dry mustard, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce are whisked in to introduce layered, warm flavors with a mild kick.
Once the sauce reaches boil and thickens, shredded sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are stirred in until melted and smooth. The cooked pasta is then combined with the pumpkin-enriched cheese sauce, producing a creamy, textured dish where the pumpkin adds subtle sweetness and moisture.
This baked-free mac and cheese variant can be served immediately as a hearty side or main, pairing especially well with roasted vegetables or autumnal meals. The hot sauce adds a gentle heat balancing the sweet pumpkin and spices.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or short pasta
- 1/4 cup butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder dry
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce Tobasco or Sriracha
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain well, do not rinse.
- In the meantime, in a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add milk, cream, and broth a little at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition.
- Add dry mustard, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute while whisking.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the cheeses, until smooth.
- Stir in the pasta.
- Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 705 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 705kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 81g | 27% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 107mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1524mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 588mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 10719IU | 214% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 714mg | 71% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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