Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese. It’s the perfect way to add a little fall into your favorite comfort food.
Why no that’s not Velveeta. That mac and cheese gets it’s gorgeous color from PUMPKIN. But go ahead and let the kids think that if you need to. Once they’ve had a bite they won’t even care that it’s pumpkin because it’s just that dang good.
I’m a big fan of (almost) all things pumpkin. Next to boots, Italian Hot Chocolate and scarves it’s my favorite part of fall. I try to incorporate pumpkin into as many things as possible. Last count I think there are a whopping 17 recipes featuring pumpkin on the site. Proof is in the pumpkin.
Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that is a fantastic canvas to add additional flavors. Like pumpkin.
What pasta do you use for macaroni and cheese?
Elbow noodles are the most traditional pasta variety used for macaroni and cheese, however, it is NOT the only option.
What is Macaroni?
Macaroni is any variety of pasta that is formed into a narrow tube. Like elbow noodles, penne, rigatoni and ziti. All would be perfect in this pumpkin macaroni and cheese.
What is al dente?
Al dente, means to the tooth in Italian. Pasta should be cooked so as to be still firm when you bite into it.
To make this decadent Pumpkin Macaroni and cheese you’ll want to cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Don’t fret, you won’t be eating under-cooked pasta. It will finish baking in the oven.
If you’re like me and like a little texture, finish baking the dish under the broiler for the last few minutes to give the top a little texture. You can also get texture by lightly sprinkling breadcrumbs/panko over the pasta prior to baking. Crispy crumbles of bacon or pancetta would also be divine. Because in this case, extra is a good thing.
If you’re looking for a seasonal twist on the classic mac n cheese give this creamy pumpkin version a try. I think you’ll like it.
If you happen to have doggos, this recipe only requires 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, there’s plenty leftover to whip up a batch of HOMEMADE PUMPKIN & PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS!
xo!
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- kosher salt/pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 12x8" baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat large stockpot of generously salted water to boiling. When water comes to a boil, add pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente. Drain; set aside.
- In 2-quart heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour. Using whisk, stir until blended. Add milk; cook and stir until mixture comes to a boil. Stir in nutmeg and season with salt to taste.
- Reduce heat to low continue cooking until mixture thickens enough to coat back of wooden spoon. Check seasoning adjust if necessary.
- Stir cheese, pumpkin and egg yolks into sauce until combined. Add cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Bake approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Notes
Top with a sprinkling of bread crumbs or panko for additional texture.
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Rachel Cooks says
LOVE how crispy this looks on the top. Yum!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Oh Mama!! That looks crazy good!
brandi says
such a gorgeous color! i’ll take some of this on 11/30, please 🙂
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure and Health says
what a great idea to incorporate something special for Fall season in the pasta. Love the color of your dish.
Angie says
Such a pretty pasta, I love pumpkin in my pasta, and so does the whole family!
Miss @Miss in the Kitchen says
I am a huge mac and cheese fanatic so I know how much I would love this!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
This dish sounds so interesting to me. I bet my family would love it!
Susan says
Wow…look at that color! It’s on my list.
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Geeeeeeeeeeet thatinmyfacerightnow.
Shaina says
Gorgeous color from the pumpkin. Yes, please.
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I love using pumpkin for pasta sauce, it’s so creamy!
rosemary says
I love pumpkin and this is a great way to use it other than a dessert. Must try this very soon, Thank you !!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Mmm this sounds lovely!
Kimby says
Paula, I made your Italian Hot Chocolate when you first posted it and it was DIVINE… yup, it’s definitely time to make more. (The pictures in the link are so pretty, too!) Your take on macaroni & cheese sounds delicious as well, especially with Pecorino cheese — and pumpkin! Sigh… Thanks for a heartwarming post.
Jen @ Savory Simple says
What a great idea! I would inhale this deliciousness.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
I MUST try this! It looks so scrumptious, Paula!
Marly says
We have a vegan version of this that we just love! You’re inspiring me to add it to the menu this week. Yumm!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Love pumpkin ravioli, so I imagine I’d love this too!
Lora @cakeduchess says
Why have I not had a bowl of this yet this fall-wish you were my neighbor-che buonnnaaa!xo
JulieD says
Oooh it’s beautiful, Paula!! Genius!
Kelly Senyei (Just a Taste) says
OH. MY. WORD. How do I get a delivery of this dish for lunch today? Stunning!
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
Is there anything pumpkin isn’t good on?…I think not:) This looks scrumptious Paula!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes says
I love all things pumpkin, especially savory pumpkin dishes!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This looks amazing! What a perfect fall, cool weather meal 🙂 yum!
Shanna@ pineapple and coconut says
I’m not joking at all but I JUST bought those exact same little le crueset dishes at home goods the other day AND two nights ago I made pumpkin mac and cheese. I was almost bare bones groceries and I was trying to think of what to make my kids for dinner and I had some leftover pumpkin puree from a waffle recipe and some creamy goat cheese so I made a pan of it with panko on top. I didn’t make it with eggs – I will have to try yours with penne – I prefer that over macaroni noodles.
Shari-Tickled Red says
Have mercy! <3
Nicle says
Hey it says 1/2 pecorino, I’m going to assume that you mean 1/2 cup right?
Also, any ideas on what can be substituted for the pecorino?
Paula says
Hi! Yes and you can substitute Parmigiano : )
Emily : RainbowDelicious.com says
This macaroni and cheese was delicious and both my kids (ages 1 & 3) absolutely loved it! I shared this recipe on a recent meal plan on my blog, thank you!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This is a fabulous, seasonal comfort dish! I love adding pumpkin to so many things, especially a main dish. This looks so good!
Kimberly says
Great idea, this looks so yummy!
Demeter says
Everyone loves mac and cheese and this fall twist is perfection!
Anna says
This mac and cheese looks so delicious!
Abeer says
I love that you add pumpkin to this classic dish! I should try your recipe!
Chrissie Baker says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE pumpkin. Great recipe. I like all the ingredients in it. This is perfect for me. thank you.
Des says
This is every pumpkin lovers dream come true.