Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Try this Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- pine nuts
- vegan parmesan cheese
- 1 (2-3-lb) sugar or pie pumpkin (or sub 2 cups (450
- optional: 1 tbsp (15 ml) avocado or coconut oil
- 2 cloves garlic (6 g or 1 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp (14 g) arrowroot starch
- 1-1 1/4 cup (240-300 ml) unsweetened plain almond or rice milk
- 2-3 tbsp (4-6 g) chopped sage or thyme (i used half thyme half sage)
- 4-5 tbsp (12-15 g) nutritional yeast
- 3-4 tbsp (15-20 g) vegan parmesan cheese
- optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flake or cayenne pepp
- 10 ounces (283 g) gluten-free pasta (i love bionaturae pasta
- fresh sage sautã©ed in oil over medium heat for 1 m
- Carbohydrate 0.184789999968433 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.594532499994259 g
- Fiber 0.0471750006012238 g
- Protein 0.122484999997375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0485796249970247 g
- Serving Size 1 1 as entrée, 4 as side (144g)
- Sodium 436.099749999976 mg
- Sugar 0.137614999367209 g
- Trans Fat 0.0948557499980918 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- If baking your pumpkin, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Otherwise, if using canned pumpkin puree, skip to step 4.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the tops of your pumpkin off and then cut pumpkin in half. Use a sharp spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape out all the seeds and strings. (Save the seeds for roasting!)
- Optional: Brush the flesh with a neutral, high heat oil, such as avocado. And place flesh down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a fork easily pierces the skin. In the last 20 minutes of roasting, add the two cloves of garlic still in skin to the baking sheet to slightly brown and soften. Then remove pan from the oven and let the pumpkin cool. Also peel garlic cloves and set aside.
- If serving with pasta, start boiling water and cooking pasta at this time. Once pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Optional: I like to drizzle mine with a little olive or avocado oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and vegan parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- To make the sauce, add 2 cups baked pumpkin (or pumpkin puree) to a high-speed blender along with peeled roasted garlic, arrowroot starch, dairy-free milk (start with 1 cup or 240 ml), sea salt, sage or thyme (I used both), nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and red pepper flake (optional).
- Blend on high until creamy and smooth. Then taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add more salt for saltiness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, sage or thyme for herbiness, vegan parmesan cheese for depth of flavor, pumpkin pie spice for pumpkin flavor and warmth, or red pepper flake for spice (optional).
- To heat/thicken the sauce, pour into a rimmed skillet and heat over medium-low heat, whisking frequently until sauce is hot and slightly thickened - 3-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, thin with a bit more dairy-free milk.
- To serve, add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve as is or (optional) sprinkle with 2 Tbsp (10 g) vegan parmesan cheese and broil on medium for 1-3 minutes, watching very carefully until barely browned.
- Enjoy hot and garnish with pine nuts or sautéed sage if desired. Cool leftovers and store in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days.
Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a game-changer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight, and delivers all the comforting flavors of classic mac and cheese with a vibrant autumnal twist. The creamy pumpkin sauce is incredibly rich and satisfying, and the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin perfectly complements the savory cheese.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating memories. The aroma of roasting pumpkin and simmering sauce fills the kitchen with warmth, instantly transporting me to cozy evenings spent with my family. The process itself is therapeutic, a welcome break from the daily grind. And the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Beyond the deliciousness and ease of preparation, this mac and cheese is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the spices to suit my mood, sometimes adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or using different herbs like rosemary or thyme for an interesting flavor profile. It's the perfect canvas for culinary experimentation, allowing you to personalize it to your exact preferences. The addition of vegan parmesan adds a wonderful depth of flavour, while leaving the option open to use regular parmesan for a classic taste.
Ingredient Spotlight: The star of this show, of course, is the pumpkin. I prefer using a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin for its naturally sweet flavor, but canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well in a pinch. For the pasta, I love using gluten-free options to cater to dietary needs, and the Bionaturae brand is a personal favorite. The dairy-free milk allows for those who are avoiding dairy products to enjoy this comforting dish. And finally, don't underestimate the power of nutritional yeast; it adds a fantastic cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Tips for Success:
- Roasting the Pumpkin: While using canned pumpkin puree saves time, roasting your own pumpkin adds a depth of flavor that's hard to replicate. The process is surprisingly simple and yields beautifully sweet and tender flesh.
- Blending the Sauce: A high-speed blender is key to achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce. Don't be afraid to adjust the consistency by adding more dairy-free milk if needed.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations to personalize the dish. Pumpkin pie spice is a classic choice, but feel free to add other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of vegan parmesan cheese and some toasted pine nuts add a beautiful finishing touch.
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary embrace, a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and get ready to create a delicious memory. The perfect meal for a chilly evening with loved ones, or a comforting treat just for yourself after a long day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Offer as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or other autumnal favorites.
- Prepare in advance for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic comfort food, and feel free to share your own variations and experiences! I’d love to hear your take on this recipe, and how you might personalize it for your own tastes. Happy cooking!
