Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the flavors of fall, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir in pumpkin puree, spices, and cheeses until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, mix well, and serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture.
- Enhance the dish with cooked bacon or sautéed spinach for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
