Smoky Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions then drain it and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

While pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter and add the shallot. Cook for 3 minutes.

Add another 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pot and melt. Add flour and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute. Add half-and-half and increase heat to medium high.

Add pumpkin and cream cheese and stir to combine. Bring to a slight simmer and stir until cream cheese is melted.

Add cheeses, cayenne, nutmeg, salt and pepper and stir well. Add pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well to combine. Add the pumpkin mac and cheese into a large baking dish (I used a large oval baker).

In a small frying pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add panko and stir to combine well. Cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the panko over the mac and cheese.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until panko is browned. Serve.