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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy dish combining traditional mac and cheese with the seasonal charm of pumpkin, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 6 oz Mezzi rigatoni or your preferred pasta
Cheese and Cream
  • ½ cup Pumpkin puree Rich and vibrant, offers sweet balance
  • ¾ cup Unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream Adds creaminess
  • ¾ cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese Brings a robust, tangy taste
  • ¼ cup Shredded parmesan cheese Enhances overall cheesiness
  • Freshly grated to taste Parmesan cheese For garnish
Base and Aromatics
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For sautéing
  • 2 cloves Garlic Grated or minced
  • 2 tbsp Shallots Finely chopped
  • 1 sprig Fresh rosemary
  • 2 leaves Sage
  • 1 piece Bay leaf
Spices
  • ½ tsp Dried thyme
  • ½ tsp Smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp Ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp Ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp Salt

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the mezzi rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Before draining, reserve about 1/3 cup of the cooked pasta water.
Prepare the Pumpkin Cheese Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped shallots, bay leaf, fresh rosemary, and sage, and allow to infuse until fragrant.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute.
Combine Pumpkin and Spices
  1. Stir in the pumpkin puree, followed by the coconut milk or heavy cream.
  2. Add the dried thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously.
  3. Heat until smooth and at a gentle simmer.
Melt the Cheeses
  1. Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaf, then add the shredded sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses.
  2. Stir until fully melted.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the pumpkin cheese sauce.
  2. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Spoon the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese into bowls or a serving dish.
  2. Finish with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Enhance flavor with a pinch of cayenne pepper, add spinach or kale for nutrition, or mix in roasted pumpkin cubes for an autumn-inspired touch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months.