Ingredients and Weight:
- Pumpkin Puree: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Macaroni pasta: 8 cups dry (cooked weight will vary)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (227 g)
- Butter: 1/4 cup (56 g)
- Milk: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- White sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., oregano, basil, etc.)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta until tender. Drain the excess water and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the pumpkin puree and stir until combined.
- Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the white sugar and seasonings as per taste. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cheese mixture to the pumpkin-milk mixture and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well to ensure all pasta is coated evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top starts to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with a sprinkle of nutmeg (optional).
Nutritional Information: (per serving, depending on actual quantities used)
Calories, Fat, Carbs, Protein, etc. (Please calculate based on actual ingredient weights used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A creamy and rich dish with a slight pumpkin flavor that pairs perfectly with macaroni pasta and cheddar cheese.
- An ideal dish for colder weather as it provides warmth and comfort food.
- Suitable for all ages, especially children who love macaroni and cheese dishes.
User Comments:
- "This was a delicious dish! The combination of pumpkin and mac and cheese was a unique flavor combination that my family loved."
- "The texture of the pasta coated with the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce was superb!"
- "I added some extra spices to enhance the flavor profile - definitely a keeper!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure the pasta is cooked to the desired tenderness but not overcooked to maintain its texture.
- Adjust the seasoning as per taste to ensure it meets your preference.
- If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can skip the cream cheese or use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
