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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A creamy and comforting mac and cheese recipe infused with pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice blend
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée
  • 1 pound short-cut pasta (pipe regate, macaroni, casarecce, cavatelli, or fusilli)
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (2 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven until it turns golden.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin spice, garlic powder, and onion powder, and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the pumpkin purée and heat for about a minute to soak up the flavors.
  4. Mix in the pasta, water, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, uncover and let it simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often.
  6. Do not drain the pasta. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  7. Lower the heat, then add the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted.
  8. Serve in bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra richness, consider adding freshly grated ginger or nutmeg. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.

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