Put a fall twist on a favorite comfort food. Pure pumpkin puree gives this dish just subtle touch of decadence that the whole family will enjoy
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Weeknight Meals
Keyword: mac & cheese, pumpkin, stovetop, Weeknight meals
Servings: 4
Calories: 673kcal
Author: Mealime
Ingredients
Produce
½small packageThymeFresh
Dairy
8ozCheddar CheeseShredded
10fl ozWhole Milk
2tbspButterUnsalted
Pantry
12ozElbow Pasta
7.5ozPumpkin PureePure
2tbsnAll-Purpose Flour
Spices
¼tspBlack Pepper
3tspSalt
Instructions
Bring a large pot filled halfway with water to a boil and add 2 tsp of salt. Mix in the elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 min. Refer to the instructions on the box for the specific brand of pasta you're using.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter has browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
When the butter has browned, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the flour while whisking constantly, about 1 minute.
Return the saucepan to the heat and slowly add the whole milk. Wisk constantly and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mixture has thickened, about 1 minute.
Remove from heat and add the fresh thyme leaves (reserve some for use as a garnish), pumpkin puree, remaining salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot when it has cooked to al dente. Add the pumpkin cheese mixture and stir to combine.
Plate the mac & cheese and garnish with the reserved thyme.
Notes
Missing the crunchy bread topping of oven mac & cheese? Toast some panko bread crumbs in a dry skillet and use as a table-side topping.
Try adding a touch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to give it a hint of a kick.
For a slightly deeper spice flavor try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or cardamom.
Have a favorite cheese you like to use? Don't be afraid to mix and match the melting cheeses near and dear to your heart.