Description
Pumpkin Sausage Mac & Cheese is a cozy fall twist on a comfort food classic. Creamy cheddar, savory sausage, and smooth pumpkin come together in a rich, flavorful pasta dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces elbow macaroni or short pasta
- Sausage: 8 ounces ground Italian sausage
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup
- Milk: 1½ cups whole milk
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, freshly grated
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil for the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain. Brown sausage in the skillet until cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Remove sausage and set aside. Melt butter in the same skillet, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Slowly whisk in milk. Add pumpkin, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Cook to Perfection: Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Add sausage and pasta, mixing well.
- Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cheese, parsley, or paprika if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm in bowls with garlic bread or a green salad.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting.
- Add spinach or kale for extra veggies.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy finish.
- Swap pumpkin with sweet potato or butternut squash puree if preferred.