This Pumpkin Mac And Cheese is perfect for chilly nights. Made with creamy pumpkin sauce and topped scallions for an easy weeknight meal.
Fall is here, which means it’s the perfect time to enjoy all things warm and comforting. And what better way to welcome the season than with a hearty bowl of Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?
This twist on a classic dish combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the rich flavors of pumpkin.
It’s the perfect marriage of comfort food and seasonal ingredients, making it an absolute must-try recipe for autumn.
If you’re a mac and cheese fan or just looking for a new fall-inspired dish, this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese will not disappoint. It all comes together in under 30 minutes and will be your new favorite.
If you’re looking for other macaroni and cheese recipes, try my baked mac and cheese or jalapeño popper mac ‘n cheese. Both are creamy and delicious!
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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Creamy pumpkin cheese sauce!
- Perfect comfort food for fall!
- Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Easy preparation with just a few simple ingredients.
- Family friendly meal!
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins such as bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs.
Pumpkin Mac n Cheese Ingredients
- Pasta shells
- Butter
- Evaporated milk
- Pumpkin purée
- Dijon mustard
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Finely chopped scallions
Recipe Variations
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions.
- Spice things up by incorporating some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into your sauce for a little heat.
- For a smoky, savory flavor crumble some bacon over top.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for some crunch.
- Create Jack O’ Lantern stuffed peppers by filling roasted bell peppers with pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese and carving spooky faces using orange bell peppers.
How to Make Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil.
- Add in the pasta and cook al dente.
- Save one cup of pasta, drain and set aside.
Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk and simmer.
- Add in the pumpkin and mustard and stir. Add in the cheeses and stir till melted.
Combine and Serve
- Mix together the cooked pasta and sauce until combined.
- If it is too thick, add some of the leftover pasta water.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve and top with chopped scallions!
Recipe Tips
- Use a variety of cheeses for more flavor such as sharp cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyere.
- Don’t overcook your pasta; aim for al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Store leftovers in a airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Add however much salt and pepper you want.
- Use any type of pasta.
FAQs
Definitely! You can prepare a day in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat in microwave to desired temperature.
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you’d like such as penne, shells, rotini, etc.
Yes, you can. Allow mac and cheese to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
While this is a complete meal on it’s own, you can add some sides such as a green salad or roasted vegetables and some crusty bread.
Recipe
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 (12oz.) can of evaporated milk
- 1 (15oz.) can of pumpkin purée
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Finely chopped scallions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water with salt to a boil.
- Add in the pasta and cook al dente.
- Save one cup of pasta, drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk and simmer.
- Add in the pumpkin and mustard and stir. Add in the cheeses and stir till melted.
- Mix together the cooked pasta and sauce until combined.
- If it is too thick, add some of the leftover pasta water.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve and top with chopped scallions!
Notes
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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