Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• • 1 lb (450 g) macaroni or other short pasta
  • 2 1/2 cups (400 g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and grated (about 1 small squash)
  • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 cups (875 ml) milk
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups (200 g) sharp orange cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, chopped
  • Chives, finely chopped, to taste