Secret Ingredient Baked Mac & Cheese

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Cook pasta to al dente in a large pot according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour. Add the onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the mixture begins to boil.

Add the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted. Stir in the pumpkin.

Add cheese sauce to pasta and stir to coat the pasta. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

To make the topping, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and the melted butter until all of the crumbs are moistened, and then sprinkle over the top of the pasta mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.