Cooking Instructions
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Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place a 9×13 baking dish on a baking sheet, or arrange 6-8 individual ramekins on a baking sheet. Set aside.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Season with
Salt (to taste)
and add the
Penne Pasta (455 g)
. Stir often and cook 2 minutes under suggested cooking time (it will finish in the oven). It should not be overly soft. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
To make the pumpkin cheese sauce, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add
Butter (45 g)
and melt. Add the
All-Purpose Flour (25 g)
and whisk together. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture smells nutty.
Step 4
Stream in the
Whole Milk (960 mL)
while whisking the entire time. Bring to a simmer and allow the milk to thicken. You will know the sauce is ready when the back of a wooden spoon is coated and you can leave a line with your finger.
Step 5
Once thickened, season with the
Dijon Mustard (15 g)
,
Salt (6 g)
,
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (2 g)
,
Dried Thyme (as needed)
,
Onion Powder (1 g)
,
McCormick® Garlic Powder (2 g)
, and
Paprika (1 g)
.
Step 6
Stir in the
100% Pumpkin Purée (170 g)
.
Step 7
Turn off the heat and add the
Cheddar Cheese (240 g)
(reserve a bit for the topping),
Parmesan Cheese (45 g)
(reserve a bit for the topping), and
Fontina Cheese (25 g)
. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is evenly incorporated together.
Step 8
Add the cooked penne pasta and stir to combine. Pour into the baking dish or portion out into the individual ramekins. Top with reserved cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese.
Step 9
To make the sage breadcrumb toppings, heat a small pot over low heat. Add
Butter (30 g)
melt. Add the
Fresh Sage (4 g)
and cook until crispy, about a minute. Remove from heat and allow to slightly cool.
Step 10
In a small bowl, combine the
Panko Breadcrumbs (10 g)
and plain
Breadcrumbs (10 g)
. Add the crispy fresh sage and butter. Stir with a spoon and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 11
Bake in the center rack for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Serve right away.
