A nostalgic, familiar favorite with an autumn twist. Gluten free, lactose-free (dairy free with adjustments)
Good morning! Happy Monday <3 I have been sick for about 10 days now, and during the thick of it was craving something warm, comforting, and nostalgic. I have also been so excited to play with fall flavors, so I created this pumpkin mac and cheese bursting with warm, cheesy flavors and just a hint of sage. The pumpkin puree gives it extra creaminess without added dairy/cream, so while it’s still a hearty meal, it’s a bit lighter than a traditional mac and cheese. I’ll definitely be making this one again and again this during the fall months when I want something that takes me back to my childhood years! The full recipe is below, I hope you love this one :)
Pumpkin Sage Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
1 box of your favorite elbows, I used Jovial gluten-free brown rice elbow pasta
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
1 cup coconut milk
¼ cup reserved pasta water, or milk of choice
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I used Rumiano for lactose free- if you want this recipe to be completely dairy free, sub ¼ cup nutritional yeast)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for lactose free)
2 tbsp fresh finely chopped sage
1-1 ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
½ tsp garlic powder
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
start by boiling your pasta until it reaches al dente according to box instructions. For gluten-free noodles, it typically takes longer to boil than listed on the box, so make sure to try a noodle before draining.
In a sauce pan, add the coconut milk and pumpkin puree, along with the sage, salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper (+the nutritional yeast, if using). Bring it to a slight boil, then turn it to low to simmer for a few minutes.
When your pasta is finished cooking, strain it (reserving some pasta water) and add the noodles to your sauce. If it is too thick, add the ¼ cup pasta water, or more based on preference. Stir in your cheeses until melted, taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed, and enjoy! Top with extra cheese if your heart desires. I served the mac and cheese with chicken apple sausage for protein, and the flavors worked beautifully together.
I hope you guys love this one, let me know if you make it! Follow me on Instagram @abigailsapron for more content + recipes, and stay tuned for more delicious food <3
With love,
Abigail