Rachael's Quick Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Spiced Pepitas

Preheat oven to 375˚F.  

For the pepitas, in a bowl, toss pepitas with melted butter, spices, sugar and salt. Spread seeds evenly onto a baking sheet and roast 10-15 minutes or until they begin to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.

For the mac & cheese, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook until 1 to 2 minutes shy of the package directions.

Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat the oil, one turn of the pan, over medium-high. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the meat is light brown; drain on a paper towel-lined plate

In a large skillet or medium pot, melt the butter over medium to medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour, then slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a bubble. Cook, whisking often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in the pumpkin. Add the granulated garlic, dry mustard, cayenne, white pepper, and nutmeg; season with salt. Add the cheeses. Stir in a figure-eight motion until the cheeses melt into the sauce, a minute or two.

Scoop out ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta and chorizo to the sauce. Add the cooking water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Top with chives and spiced pepitas.