This low calorie Pumpkin Mac and Cheese makes a great healthy side dish... And at just 89 calories, you can feel good about serving this for dinner.You can also take this macaroni and cheese with pumpkin to work for lunch. Enjoy 3 servings (1.5 cups) for just 267 calories. Or 4 servings (2 cups) for just 356 calories! It reheats easily in the microwave.Special Tip: You can remove the vegetables from the recipe. You can also swap out either of them for cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers!
Add the pumpkin and broccoli to a 9x13 casserole dish, and lightly spray with olive oil.
Bake the pumpkin and broccoli for 30 minutes.
While the pumpkin and broccoli cooks, cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and mix with a wooden spoon, continuously, until you have a light brown paste.
Add in 1 cup of milk and whisk well to remove any lumps. Mix the remaining milk and whole garlic cloves. Increase the heat to medium-high. Mix often, scraping the bottom of the pan often, until the sauce has thickened and coats the spoon. Turn off the heat, remove the garlic cloves and discard.
Stir in the cooked pasta, 1/2 the cheddar cheese, salt and pepper, and cooked pumpkin and broccoli. Mix well, until all the pasta is coated and the cheese is melted.
Move to the casserole dish you cooked the pumpkin and broccoli in (you don't, even need to clean it!). Top with remaining cheese, and spray lightly with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.