Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon Panko Topping

Ingredients

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• pinch of salt
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 8 oz. medium shell pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• pinch of fresh nutmeg
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• kosher salt, to taste
• 1 cup 100% pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (~1 1/2 cups)
• 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (~1/3 cup)