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Pumpkin Sausage Mac & Cheese

Pumpkin Sausage Mac & Cheese
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Pumpkin Sausage Mac & Cheese is a comforting and cozy dish that blends creamy mac and cheese with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and the savory flavor of sausage. Perfect for fall evenings or anytime you want a hearty, seasonal indulgence, this flavorful one-pot meal balances rich cheddar cheese, aromatic spices, and a touch of smokiness for an upgraded twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)

Sauce and Dairy

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (plain canned pumpkin or homemade)

Aromatics and Spices

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving some rendered fat for flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating the base for your sauce.
  4. Make the roux and sauce: Sprinkle flour over the butter and aromatics, stirring constantly to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  5. Add pumpkin and spices: Stir in the pumpkin puree, nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend the pumpkin evenly into the creamy sauce.
  6. Melt in the cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth.
  7. Combine pasta and sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the sauce, then fold in the macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated with the luscious pumpkin-cheese sauce.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a strong flavor that balances the pumpkin sweetness.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercook as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce.
  • Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent separation.
  • For added texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top and broil before serving.
  • Fresh herbs such as sage or thyme can be stirred in at the end for an earthy flavor boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin mac and cheese, sausage mac and cheese, comfort food, fall recipe, one-pot meal, creamy pasta, seasonal dish

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/pumpkin-sausage-mac-cheese/