Your kids will love their version, and may not even notice that there's a vegetable in there!
The adult version has a little more sophisticated cheeses, plus a touch of spice. Note that it's a lighter color (not deep orange) than the kids' version in photos above.
NOTE for BAKED VERSION: If you want to assemble these ahead, you can stick them into the oven at 350 for 20-30 minutes to heat up. It will be thicker then. ** It will be much creamier and looser in texture if served right from the stove.
KID FRIENDLY
8 oz uncooked macaroni pasta …………….. 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk …………………….....…………..4 TB (2 oz) cream cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese ………. ....1/2 cup grated colby jack cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, whisk together and heat pumpkin puree and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot.
Reduce stove heat to low. Whisk in cheeses until fully melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir drained pasta into the pumpkin-cheese sauce and mix until thoroughly combined. Serves about 4
***
ADULT VERSION
8 oz uncooked penne or ziti …………………..1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup milk …………...…………………………2 oz (about 4 TB) cream cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated gruyere cheese (can sub mozzarella or jack)
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 – 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper, or more depending on heat preference
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, whisk together and heat pumpkin puree and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot.
Reduce stove heat to low. Whisk in cheeses until fully melted.
Stir in nutmeg and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir drained pasta into the pumpkin-cheese sauce and mix until thoroughly combined. (At this point, the mac & cheese might appear a bit soupy. If so, let the mixture sit off of the heat for a few minutes. The cheese sauce will firm up as it slightly cools.) Serve with an extra dusting of nutmeg, if desired.