Pumpkin Mac and Cheese for #PumpkinWeek

Pumpkin season is here, and we are celebrating our love of pumpkin with #PumpkinWeek hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures. All week-long 26 bloggers will be sharing over 80 pumpkin-filled recipes for all your Autumn celebrations, including breakfasts, baked goods, savory pumpkin recipes, desserts, and drinks.

If you're looking for a creamy macaroni dish that's perfect for fall, has just a touch of richness and flavor from the added pumpkin, and makes a wonderful versatile side dish then definitely give this one a try soon! It's easy, cheesy, and completely delicious. Not to mention it's a beautiful shade of PUMPKIN! It looks great on a plate next to a juicy steak. 

See all of our delicious Thursday Pumpkin Week recipes!

Savory Recipes

• Instant Pot Pork and Pumpkin Chili by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Pumpkin Gnocchi by The Redhead Baker
• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Making Miracles
• Savory White Bean and Pumpkin Dip by A Little Fish in the Kitchen

Dessert Recipes

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Tamale by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Pumpkin Pie Tamales by The Spiffy Cookie

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Ingredients
12 ounces small round pasta (like macaroni or shells)
1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the noodles to al dente, per package directions. Drain and set aside when done.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. While pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large nonstick pot or pan over medium heat. Whisk flour into melted butter and cook for about a minute, whisking occasionally. Whisk the milk into the roux and blend in. Increase heat if needed, bring mixture to a simmer until it begins to thicken and then reduce heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Blend in the pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese.
4. When cheese sauce is smooth and well blended, add the drained pasta in, stir and taste test. Adjust seasonings if desired.
5. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, and scrape the macaroni mixture into the dish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes uncovered.

Recipe adapted from This Delicious House