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This Pumpkin Chorizo Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the ultimate fall comfort food—creamy pumpkin, smoky chorizo, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko topping. Easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing!

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Pumpkin Chorizo Mac ‘n’ Cheese

This Pumpkin Chorizo Mac 'n' Cheese is the ultimate fall comfort food—creamy pumpkin, smoky chorizo, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko topping. Easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
  • 1/2 cup pork or beef chorizo
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups Chihuahua cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a skillet, cook the chorizo over medium heat until it’s browned and crispy. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
  • In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and heavy cream. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
  • Stir in the ground nutmeg and paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Gradually add the shredded quesadilla melting cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chorizo, and the cheese sauce. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
  • Transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  • If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve your delightful Pumpkin Chorizo Mac ‘n’ Cheese hot.