Spinach Turkey Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Creamy and delicious, Spinach Turkey Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is an innovative twist on the classic comfort food. This dish combines savory turkey bacon with nutritious spinach and rich pumpkin puree, resulting in a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this macaroni bake is not only easy to make but also allows for customizations based on your preferences. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces dry cavatappi (or any pasta of choice)
- 12 ounces turkey bacon
- 6 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten free if desired)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Chop into pieces and add to pasta.
- Sauté spinach in the same skillet until wilted; mix with pasta and turkey bacon.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, then gradually add almond milk while stirring until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses, seasoning, and pumpkin puree.
- Combine sauce with the pasta mixture; transfer to the prepared dish and top with extra cheese and panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 35mg