Description
A creamy, comforting mac and cheese made with pumpkin puree, sharp cheddar, and gouda, this one-pot stove-top dish is perfect for cozy fall meals. It combines autumn flavors with rich, cheesy goodness for a quick and easy family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 9 fresh sage leaves
- 1 pound short-cut pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni, shells)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk or whole milk
- 3 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded creamy gouda cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Butter:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic, thyme, and sage leaves. Cook until the butter starts to brown and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the sage leaves and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Toss the pasta in the browned butter to coat. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and cook the pasta for about 8 minutes, or until al dente. Do not drain the water.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Cheeses and Spices:
- Remove the garlic cloves from the pot. Stir in the cheddar cheese, gouda, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If desired, chop or mash the garlic cloves and stir them back into the pasta.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup of milk or water to thin it out. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Divide the mac and cheese between bowls. Top with the reserved crispy sage leaves, freshly grated nutmeg, and black pepper for garnish.
Notes
- For extra crispy sage, fry the leaves in a little butter or oil until crisp and garnish with them.
- Adjust the spice levels to taste, especially the cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 100g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg