Description
This Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring a smooth pumpkin-infused cheese sauce with warm spices, it’s a perfect fall-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly, creating a roux.
- Add Milk and Pumpkin: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir gently until melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and if desired, ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and stir thoroughly until all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can also work if preferred.
- Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor balance; mild cheddar can be used but the taste will be less pronounced.
- Optional warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy autumnal touch, but can be omitted for a more straightforward cheese flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.
