This Healthy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is just 264 calories and is packed with 18g of protein!
To make this low calorie pumpkin Mac and cheese extra easy, I like to use pumpkin puree. This means you can get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes and you don’t need to do any blending or mashing!
This healthy pumpkin Mac and cheese is hearty and delicious. And perfect with a side salad for a wonderful dinner. I know you’ll love it!
Healthy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
What You’ll Find in this Article:
Ingredients in Low Calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
I like to use protein pasta in this recipe, it’s 100% all-natural and made from chickpeas. I can find it at my local grocery stores, Banza is in a bright orange box, it’s hard to miss.
You can use regular pasta, the recipe will still be low in calories. But it won’t have as much protein.
Shopping List for Low Calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese:
- Pumpkin puree
- Garlic
- Salt (see nutrition label for low sodium tips)
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Low fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Banza Protein Pasta (or regular elbow macaroni)
- Optional Toppings (see recipe card below!)
How to Make Low Calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
A special tip on cooking protein pasta, it can break easier than traditional pastas. So mix to very gently and not as often, this will keep the elbow macaroni together better.
To store leftovers, simply add to individual serving meal prep containers and add to the fridge (will hold 5 days) or the freezer (will hold 1 month).
How to Make Low Calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese:
- To a large pot, combine the pumpkin, garlic, salt and almond milk.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then add in the cheese and cook until melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package (if you want to minimize clean up, do this first and drain, then use the same pot to make the sauce, you don’t even need to wash it out!)
- Add the cooked pasta to the pumpkin cheese sauce and mix well.
- Add any toppings you desire and serve hot.
Healthy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This low calorie pumpkin mac and cheese is so creamy and delicious, I know you’ll love it! Here are some more pumpkin recipes I think you’ll love.
More Low Calorie Pumpkin Recipes:
Low Calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more if desired
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup low fat sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 oz Banza Protein Pasta or regular elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning optional
Instructions
- To a large pot, combine the pumpkin, garlic, salt and almond milk.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then add in the cheese and cook until melted.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package (if you want to minimize clean up, do this first and drain, then use the same pot to make the sauce, you don’t even need to wash it out!)
- Add the cooked pasta to the pumpkin cheese sauce and mix well.
- Add any toppings you desire and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition and Calories in Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Low Sodium Tips: Remove the salt from the recipe and add in a second garlic clove. Add 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice as needed to the sauce (before adding in the pasta) to taste.
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