One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This one pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a simple-to-make pasta dish, perfect for fall days during pumpkin season. It's creamy, delicious, and so incredibly satisfying. Easy cleanup with one pot and ready in 30 minutes or less!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 358kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (keep whole to remove if desired, or mince the garlic to keep it in the pasta)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound pasta macaroni, shells, etc.
- 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy, I used coconut milk
- 3 ounces cream cheese
- 1 15-ounce canned pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter has melted add the minced garlic and dried thyme; sauté for about 30 seconds.
- To the pot, add the pasta and toss in the butter-garlic mixture. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 to 9 minutes. Without draining the water, stir in the milk, cream cheese, and pumpkin; cook until the cream cheese has melted and the pasta is al dente.
- Remove whole garlic, if using, otherwise stir in the shredded cheese, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and nutmeg until the cheese has melted and the pasta is creamy. Remove from the heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add up to 1/4 cup water or milk to thin the pasta if necessary.
Notes
Pasta:
- I'm using medium shell pasta, but any short-cut pasta works equally well. Think Penne, Rigatoni, Farfalle, Orecchiette or Macaroni.
- I love sharp cheddar cheese in most mac and cheese recipes. But you can substitute your favorite cheese, or use 1 cup of 2 varieties. Gouda is also a nice choice.
Nutrition
Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 236mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 1mg