Pumpkin and Sage Mac and Cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and coat a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the macaroni. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until al-dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and remove all but 1 teaspoon of the remaining fat from the skillet.

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter with the garlic and sage. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute, then slowly add the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the pumpkin, dry mustard, paprika, pepper, and salt. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses and the cooked pancetta. Add the macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta in sauce. 

Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Top with the crackers, dot with 2 tablespoons butter, and sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and browned.