Shortcut Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Shortcut Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a tasty way to dress up your boxed macaroni and cheese. This is a great use of some pantry staples, 

Boxed macaroni and cheese is definitely a staple in my house because it’s inexpensive, accessible, and versatile. Sometimes you want to add a little extra something to a simple dinner and this pumpkin mac and cheese is a delicious and easy way to do that. You get all the comfort of classic boxed mac and cheese but elevated a bit to keep it from being the same boring thing 

Figure it out:

How to store leftover pumpkin:

This recipe only calls for approximately ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree. which means you'll have some left over. No worries- you can freeze the extra. You can place it in ice cube trays, silicone muffin liners or place ¼ cup dollops on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze overnight before placing in a sealed and labeled freezer bag then thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use. Use within 3-4 months 

Choosing Your Macaroni and Cheese: 

You can use your favorite variety of the powdered cheese macaroni and cheese. I used classic but thick and creamy and 3 cheese would also work. 

Pumpkin Puree vs Pumpkin Pie Mix 

Make sure you use pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie mix for the recipe. Pumpkin puree is just pumpkin with no added sweetener or spices. Pumpkin Pie Mix contains additional ingredients and is not what is needed in the recipe. 

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container for 2-3 days. Reheat leftovers on medium heat or in a microwave for 30-45 second increments until the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Add in a tablespoon or two of milk if needed to reach desired consistency 

Does this taste like pumpkin pie?

 Not really the pumpkin does add a mild sweetness but not enough for it to read as a dessert. Especially since the spices traditionally associated with pumpkin pie aren’t added. Instead it adds a subtle richness and creaminess to the sauce. 

Why add pumpkin to boxed macaroni and cheese? 

Adding the pumpkin puree adds a little extra fiber and Vitamin A without adding a bunch of extra steps. And honestly there are nights when I want to get dinner done without a million extra steps.

Shortcut Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Turn your basic boxed macaroni and cheese into a cozy Fall recipe with just one addition!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 2-4

Category: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 7.28 ounce box macaroni and cheese
• 6 cups water
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

1. Put the water and salt in a 4 quart sauce pan and bring it to a boil over medium high heat.
2. Add the noodles from the box of macaroni anc cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
4. Add the butter, milk, and pumpkin puree to the same pot you cooked the noodles.
5. Add the cheese powder to the pan once the butter has melted and mix well.
6. Return the macaroni to the pot and stir well to combine and serve immediately.

Made this recipe? Tag @letmefigureoutdinner and use #ifiguredoutdinner — I'd love to see it!

What to serve with the Shortcut Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

Honestly I think this would go well with pretty much anything you serve regular macaroni and cheese with. Chicken nuggets or tenders, pork chops, or smoked sausage for a protein for example. Roasted vegetables make an easy and hands off veggie side.

More Easy Dinner Recipes: 

Barbecue Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes 

Shortcut Chicken Pot Pie Noodles 

Lentil Taco Rice Bowls

More Fall Flavors:

Apple Crisp for One

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes