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Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe (Quick & Creamy)

Abby Marlow
This stovetop pumpkin mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a buttery sage-panko crunch. Perfect for beginner cooks, it’s ready in 30 minutes and makes a comforting fall dinner everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the brown butter panko topping:

  • 3 tbsp butter cut into tablespoon pieces
  • 8 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the mac and cheese:

  • 16 oz large elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups milk room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg optional

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foamy and nutty. Add sage leaves, then stir in panko until moistened. Toast 30 seconds. Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, whisk in flour, ground mustard, and garlic powder to form a paste.
  • Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Raise heat to medium and cook, whisking, until sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
  • Stir in pumpkin purée until blended. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  • Add drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  • Spoon into bowls and top with brown butter panko mixture. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, grate cheese fresh—it melts smoother in the sauce. Variation: swap sage for thyme in the topping for a different flavor twist in your stovetop pumpkin mac and cheese.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 520 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 540mg
Keyword creamy pumpkin pasta, easy mac and cheese recip, fall comfort food, pumpkin dinner recipe, stovetop pumpkin mac and cheese