Pumpkin Lobster Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta shells at a boil until tender but still slightly firm, about 10 minutes; drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 3

Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 4

Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir shallot in melted margarine until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Whisk flour into margarine and shallots to form a smooth paste.

Step 6

Slowly whisk evaporated milk into flour mixture until it forms a smooth sauce; simmer until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes.

Step 7

Whisk shredded Cheddar cheese and mascarpone cheese into sauce until cheeses have melted, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Stir pumpkin puree, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, nutmeg, and hot sauce into the sauce until combined.

Step 9

Lightly mix in lobster tail meat, green peas, and cooked pasta shells until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Step 10

Pour pasta mixture into prepared casserole dish; top with panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted margarine over the casserole.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is brown and crisp, 40 minutes.