Description
Seasonal comfort meets creamy indulgence in this pumpkin mac and cheese masterpiece, blending autumnal warmth with cheesy richness. Cheesy pasta lovers will savor each spoonful of this simple yet satisfying dish that promises pure culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 grams) pumpkin puree
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Liquid Base:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh sage or thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook macaroni until perfectly tender, ensuring it maintains a slight bite. Drain thoroughly, allowing excess water to escape.
- Create a velvety foundation in a saucepan by gently melting butter over medium heat, then introduce flour, whisking vigorously to develop a golden, fragrant roux with a smooth consistency.
- Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, maintaining constant motion to prevent lumps and encourage a silky, thickening sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Introduce pumpkin puree and aromatic spices – garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and paprika – stirring continuously to blend flavors and create a harmonious, warming mixture.
- Carefully fold in Dijon mustard for subtle tang, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
- Remove the sauce from heat and gradually melt cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Gently fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated with the pumpkin-infused mixture.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and present immediately while the mac and cheese remains piping hot and irresistibly creamy.
Notes
- Achieve perfect pasta texture by cooking it just until al dente, preventing mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Whisk the roux continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, golden base for your cheese sauce.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to create a lump-free, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar to customize the flavor profile.
- Boost nutrition by incorporating roasted vegetables like spinach or cauliflower into the mac and cheese.
- Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta.
- Add crispy breadcrumbs or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for an extra crunch and textural contrast.
- Enhance the autumn feel by sprinkling additional warm spices like cinnamon or sage for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg