From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4
Stir in pumpkin purée and mix well. Add heavy cream and whisk until combined. Bring to a simmer.
5
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and sage.
6
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheese until fully melted and smooth.
7
Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Stir to coat evenly and adjust consistency as needed.
8
Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Bloom Your Spices in Butter 🧈Toast the dried sage, garlic powder, and onion powder in melted butter for 1-2 minutes before adding pumpkin to unlock their essential oils and intensify their warm, savory flavors.
- Use Pasta Water as Liquid Gold 💧Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water and add it gradually to your sauce to achieve the perfect creamy consistency while helping the sauce cling to every pasta piece.
- Shred Your Own Cheese 🧀Buy block cheese and shred it fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that prevent a silky, smooth sauce from forming.
- Don't Skip the Fresh Garlic 🧄Mince fresh garlic and sauté it in butter before adding pumpkin to create a deeper, more complex flavor that rounds out the sweetness of the pumpkin and complements the sage beautifully.
- Broil Instead of Bake for Crispness 🔆Use your broiler on high for 2-3 minutes at the end instead of extended oven baking to achieve a golden, crispy top without drying out the creamy sauce underneath.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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