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Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb Breadcrumbs

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This cozy, autumn-inspired mac and cheese blends velvety pumpkin puree with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, finished with a crunchy, herbed breadcrumb topping. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknight comfort or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2 quart oven-safe baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until coated. Optional: toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden.
  4. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
  5. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  6. Whisk in pumpkin puree, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and sage. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Add drained pasta to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  9. Transfer mac and cheese to prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  10. Sprinkle prepared herb breadcrumbs evenly over the surface.
  11. Bake for 18-22 minutes until top is golden and bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
  12. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF pasta, flour, and panko. Warm cheese before adding to sauce for best texture. Toast breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers. Customize with extra veggies, different cheeses, or a spicy kick. Tent with foil if breadcrumbs brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin mac and cheese, autumn comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta, cheesy casserole, herb breadcrumbs, fall recipes, creamy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-pumpkin-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-herb-breadcrumbs-easy-weeknight-comfort/