Comforting Mac'N'Cheese with Pumpkin and Asparagus

Determined to make a 'comfort food' to prove to my husband and my friends that I can, I attempted to whip up some mac'n'cheese for lunch. But my penchant for making 'uncomfortable' food won out and I tossed in 1 cup of roasted pumpkin puree, 2 of crisp baby asparagus, and some smoked paprika for good measure!

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, until al dente. Make a basic beciamela (white) sauce - I used 1 C whipping cream and 1-1/2 C milk. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pasta, beciamela sauce, 1 C shredded parmesan, 1 C shredded mozzarella, 1 C pumpkin, and 2 C blanched asparagus. Season with smoked paprika and freshly ground pink Himalaya salt to taste. Turn the mixture into a baking dish. Top with more shaved parmesan and raw pumpkin seeds. Bake in a 350 degree oven until bubbly and golden, approximately 30 minutes.

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