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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

29 October, 2018 by Tara 11 Comments

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A recipe for Pumpkin Mac and Cheese! Noodles are coated in a thick and creamy sauce packed with pure pumpkin puree and three types of cheese.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in two pumpkin-shaped mugs.

Add a little Autumn flavor to your pasta with Pumpkin Mac and Cheese! Packed with three types of cheese and pure pumpkin puree, this creamy stove-top version comes together in less than 20 minutes for a quick and delicious meal that is sure to be a fall favorite for the whole family.

After creating the roux with butter and flour, milk is slowly whisked in to form the base. It is then flavored with pure pumpkin, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder before adding the Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Finally, fold in the al dente pasta immediately before serving. If desired, top with an additional sprinkling of Parmesan and a little black pepper.

Two photo collage- dried pasta and shredded cheese on a wooden board and mixing cheese in pot.

I came across Vesuvio dried pasta during a recent trip to the Italian market and it was such a fun shape to pair with this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.

Named after the volcano, the short and twirly shape originated in Campania. All the twists and grooves are perfect for holding the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce in every bite.

I have yet to come across it, but Zucchette (translates to small pumpkins) is another shape that would be wonderful for the sauce thanks to the outer ridges and hollow interior.

Of course, the macaroni and cheese will be just as delicious with a simple macaroni or shell shape too!

A Few Tips

Slowly whisk the milk into the roux (butter and flour mixture). Adding too much in the beginning will create lumps in the sauce.

Make sure the sauce is not bubbling when adding the cheese. The pot should be removed from the heat source and just hot enough to melt the cheese. If the mixture is too hot, the cheese (especially the Cheddar) may separate into an oily mess. Gently place back over low heat only if needed to melt the cheese.

If possible, shred the cheese at home and avoid pre-shredded packages. This will help create a smoother and more creamy texture.

If the sauce is too thick after all the cheese has been incorporated, mix in a splash more milk or some cooking water from the pasta. Be careful to not add too much. If too thin, add a little more cheese. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Cook the pasta until just al dente, barely tender. It will continue to soften a little more as it is mixed into the hot cheese sauce.

Set aside a little of the Parmesan or grate extra to sprinkle over the top of the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese immediately before serving.

Looking for more Mac and Cheese recipes?

Try my:

  • Macaroni and Cheese SoufflĂ©
  • Chorizo Mac and Cheese
  • Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in two pumpkin-shaped mugs with pepper and grated parmesan on top.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe

Adapted from Inspired Taste

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in two pumpkin-shaped mugs.
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5 from 5 votes

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A recipe for Pumpkin Mac and Cheese! Noodles are coated in a thick and creamy sauce packed with pure pumpkin puree and three types of cheese.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine N/A
Keyword autumn, fall, halloween, macaroni and cheese, noodle, pasta, pumpkin
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 -6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454 grams) dried medium-shaped pasta
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (27 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) sharp Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, just tender. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking:

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue to whisk until golden.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk until all the flour is absorbed and no lumps remain. Continue to stir often until the milk thickens.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in the pumpkin, dijon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust to taste.
  • Once the mixture begins to bubble, remove from heat. Slowly stir in handfuls of the shredded cheese until smooth.
  • Fold in the drained pasta and serve immediately topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
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Filed Under: Pasta and Rice

Previous Post: « Pumpkin Spice Milkshake and Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure
Next Post: Tiramisu Gelato and The Art of Making Gelato »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

    29 October, 2018 at 9:41 am

    First, I am absolutely ga-ga for those Vesuvio pasta shapes. So cool! Second — the pumpkin and cheese sauce for the pasta — wow! Adding a nutritional element to a traditioinal calorie bomb — so I feel a bit less guilty when I eat more than one serving… I want to make this for after trick or treating!

    Reply
  2. Mary Bostow

    29 October, 2018 at 10:11 am

    Wow, the presentation of your recipe looks very beautiful, and I’m sure your recipe is delicious! Wow and wow, this is so delicious and it makes my mouth watering

    Reply
  3. Jessica Formicola

    29 October, 2018 at 10:17 am

    I love savory pumpkin dishes like this! Can’t wait to make it!

    Reply
  4. Cindy Gordon

    29 October, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Tis the season for everything pumpkin and I am SO on board! I LOVE the pumpkin flavor and this mac and cheese looks delish!

    Reply
  5. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

    29 October, 2018 at 11:17 am

    This sounds absolutely amazing! We’ve been enjoying pumpkin a lot recently and this would make a tasty dinner for Halloween evening!

    Reply
  6. Karen

    29 October, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    This looks so good, and that pasta shape is so amazing.

    Reply
  7. Beth

    2 October, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    5 stars
    Interesting combo. I love unique recipes. I can’t wait to try this on family.

    Reply
  8. Tawnie Kroll

    2 October, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    SO good and easy to make. Great use of the pumpkin in the pantry too! thank you!!

    Reply
  9. Cyndy

    2 October, 2021 at 4:44 pm

    5 stars
    Love the combo of pumpkin and mac n cheese and the shapes you used are so cool. I love the serving idea too!

    Reply
  10. Andrea

    2 October, 2021 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    The addition of pumpkin to the sauce just sounds marvelous and I love the presentation. A perfect dinner for my family.

    Reply
  11. veenaazmanov

    2 October, 2021 at 9:13 pm

    5 stars
    The addition of Pumpkin Puree sounds unique to this dish. I have to check this recipe. Thanks. Cheesy platters are my favorite too.

    Reply

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