Healthy Harvest Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This savory Pumpkin Harvest Mac and Cheese is sure to please everyone in the family especially mom since it’s packed with secret veggies like riced cauliflower and nutrient-rich pumpkin.  I’ve also included a short video showing how easy it is to make fresh riced cauliflower in less than 5 minutes.

Welcome back to another great recipe for this year’s #PumpkinWeek!

I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite food bloggers to bring you a week full of amazing pumpkin recipes!

If you missed Monday’s post, be sure to go back and read my Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie.  It’s really good! My kids loved it!!  Made with pumpkin, chia seeds, and dates, it’s not your typical smoothie—and it’s soooo good!

Be sure to keep reading after today’s recipe for links to all of the other #PumpkinWeek posts.

Pumpkin Harvest Mac and Cheese

My family LOVES Mac and Cheese but I’ve never actually made a pumpkin flavored Mac and Cheese. So this year when I was working on my #PumpkinWeek menu, I decided to try and combine the warm comforting goodness of cheese with the cozy Fall pumpkin flavors into one magical harvest dish.

I wasn’t sure how a pumpkin mac and cheese would taste.

I’ve had so many pumpkin-flavored pastas that are usually too sweet and just leave me sad.

So I was determined to make sure my Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe would not succumb to that sugary pitfall.

This dish is NOT sweet at all. It’s nice and savory with a light creamy base.

Additionally, it’s packed with lots of healthy, hidden veggies that your kids WILL NOT even notice!!!!

Seriously!

My kids could not taste the veggies. Woohoo!

Tips before you get started

 Choosing your pasta

You can use whatever pasta you like, but I recommend the cute pumpkin-shaped pasta from Trader Joes.

It has a very mild butternut squash flavor (My kids didn’t even notice. They were too excited about the fun shapes).

 Choosing your cheese

I recommend American cheese slices—they add a nice creamy element but not overly cheesy taste. It worked out perfect for us since one of my kids doesn’t like cheese that much.

You could also use shredded cheddar.

 How to make your own riced cauliflower

I decided to use riced cauliflower to give it some extra nutrition.  However—I did NOT buy the riced cauliflower.  I haven’t had a good experience with store-bought riced cauliflower so I just make my own.

I  took 1 head of cauliflower and cut it into smaller pieces.  Then I filled my Vitamix half way with water and blended the water and cauliflower.  When it was nice and mushy, I strained it.

Here’s a short video.

 How to Make Healthy Harvest Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

 Ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice-I used the cute Pumpkin shaped pasta
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ¼-1/2 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 15 oz. can pumpkin purée
• 8-12 slices of American Cheese or 1 cup of shredded cheddar
• ¼ cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)

Instructions

1. Rice the cauliflower and set aside. (see video for full instructions)
2. Boil the pasta according to the pasta label’s directions. Drain it and blanch with cold water,  then set aside.
3. Make the sauce by taking a medium pot and adding the minced garlic, salt, and olive oil.
4. Next, add the pumpkin puree and bring to a low boil. Stir to combine.
5. Then add the cheese. ( If you’re using American cheese slices, start with 8 and taste it to see if you want to add more.)
6. Stir continuously.
7. Once the cheese is well combined, pour over the pasta.
8. Top with pepitas and enjoy!

Looking for more Great Fall Recipes?

Check out these related recipe posts:

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

How to Make Irresistible Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bites

How to make a fun pumpkin wine dispenser

And KEEP SCROLLING for even more #PUMPKINWEEK recipes!

Don’t forget to Pin this for Later.

Pumpkin season is here, and we are celebrating our love of pumpkin with #PumpkinWeek hosted by Terri from Love and Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. All week-long 26 bloggers will be sharing over 80 pumpkin-filled recipes for all your Autumn celebrations, including breakfasts, baked goods, savory pumpkin recipes, desserts, and drinks.

Drink Recipes

• Disney Pumpkin Milkshakes by Simply Inspired Meals
• Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte by April Golightly
• Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Smoothies by Our Good Life
• Pumpkin Spice Syrup by Caroline’s Cooking

Breakfast and Baked Goods

• Crockpot Pumpkin Oatmeal by Veggies First Then Dessert
• Keto Pumpkin Muffins by Keto Basic AF
• Spiced Pumpkin Donut Holes by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Savory Recipes

• Pumpkin Bolognese by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Fresh Pumpkin Pizza by Palatable Pastime
• Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese by Our Sutton Place
• Pumpkin Stufffed Shells by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Pumpkin Stuffing by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Savory White Bean and Pumpkin Dip by A Little Fish in the Kitchen

Dessert Recipes

• Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
• Easy Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls by Blogghetti
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip by The Freshman Cook
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars by Making Miracles
• Pumpkin Impossible Pie by Shockingly Delicious
• Pumpkin Marshmallows by The Redhead Baker
• Pumpkin Pie Tamales by The Spiffy Cookie
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Layer Cake by Love & Confections

admin

HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!