The Coziest Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe for Fall Comfort

Creamy pumpkin mac and cheese brings autumn’s warmth right to your dinner table.

Comfort food meets seasonal magic in this unexpected twist on a classic favorite.

Crisp evenings call for something rich and satisfying that hugs you from the inside.

Unexpected ingredients blend perfectly to create a dish that surprises and delights.

Smooth pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and velvety texture to traditional cheesy pasta.

Curious cooks will love how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single comforting bite of this delectable creation.

Why Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Feels Like Fall in a Bowl

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a gourmet fall-inspired dish with pumpkin and aromatic herbs.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheeses or add protein like crispy bacon or shredded chicken to make the recipe uniquely yours.
• Nutrition Boost: Incorporate pumpkin for added vitamins, fiber, and a creamy texture without sacrificing rich flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

• Pasta: A hearty and comforting base that absorbs the rich pumpkin cheese sauce perfectly.

• Shallot, Garlic: Add depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Bay Leaf, Rosemary, Sage: Provide earthy and aromatic undertones to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and rich foundation for the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creamy texture and subtle tropical sweetness.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Deliver a complex, tangy, and nutty cheese flavor to the dish.

• Pumpkin Puree: Offers a smooth, velvety texture and warm autumnal flavor.
• Thyme, Paprika, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Blend warming spices that complement the pumpkin and create a sophisticated taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall seasoning of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a fresh, sharp finishing touch to the mac and cheese.

Easy Steps to Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Perfection

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out about a third cup of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Grab a medium saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

• Shallots
• Bay leaf
• Rosemary
• Sage

Let these aromatics dance and release their fragrant oils. Add minced garlic and cook for a quick minute until its sharp edges soften.

Step 3: Create Pumpkin Sauce Magic

• Thyme
• Paprika
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything together, letting the sauce simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for about two minutes.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Fish out the whole herb sprigs. Introduce cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a luxurious, creamy blanket.

Step 5: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the pumpkin cheese sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to help create a smooth, clingy coating on every single noodle.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving dishes and crown with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Dive in while it’s hot and creamy!

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

• Swap regular milk with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that adds subtle tropical sweetness to the dish.
• Remove whole herbs before mixing cheese to prevent overpowering flavors and ensure smooth sauce texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Add roasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy mac and cheese.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, helping achieve perfect coating and preventing dryness.

Fun Add-Ins for Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a fiery flavor that builds heat with each bite.
• Mediterranean Herb Style: Replace rosemary and sage with oregano and basil, then mix in crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean profile.
• Smoky Bacon Crunch: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle them on top, then blend some crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce for a rich, smoky undertone.
• Nutty Gruyère Version: Swap cheddar with gruyère cheese and add toasted chopped walnuts for a sophisticated, earthy taste that elevates the classic recipe.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Apple Cider: The sweet and tangy notes of apple cider beautifully complement the creamy, spiced pumpkin mac and cheese, cutting through its richness with a refreshing autumn-inspired touch.
• Serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized and slightly bitter brussels sprouts provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy pasta, adding a delightful textural contrast and balancing the dish's creamy profile.
• Match with Spicy Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a zesty, fresh element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the decadent mac and cheese.

Storing Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Made Easy

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the mac and cheese completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
• Stovetop Revive: Transfer mac and cheese to a skillet, add a little milk or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until heated through and creamy. This method helps maintain the original texture better than microwaving.
• Freeze Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese FAQ Rundown

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with penne, rotini, or shells. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well.

• Is this recipe dairy-free?

No, it contains cheddar and parmesan cheese. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast.

• How spicy is this mac and cheese?

The recipe is mild with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s more aromatic than spicy, offering a subtle, comforting flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. It uses pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and cheese as primary ingredients without meat.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy “pumpkin mac and cheese” brings autumn comfort to classic comfort food, blending rich cheese and seasonal warmth. Hearty pasta swirled with smooth pumpkin sauce promises delicious comfort perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) mezzi rigatoni or preferred pasta
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 2 sage leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons shallot, finely chopped
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Set aside 1/3 cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Introduce finely chopped shallots, aromatic herbs like bay leaf, rosemary, and sage. Sauté until fragrant, then quickly incorporate minced garlic for an additional minute.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree into the herb-infused base. Gently pour coconut milk and sprinkle ground spices including thyme, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously until mixture becomes velvety and thoroughly heated, allowing gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Extract whole herb sprigs from the sauce. Gradually add cheddar and parmesan cheeses, stirring consistently until completely melted and silky smooth.
5. Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy pumpkin sauce, using reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Carefully fold until every pasta strand is luxuriously coated.
6. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Boost the nutrition by adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potato for extra depth and vitamins.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add more fiber.
• Create a vegan version by using nutritional yeast instead of cheese and cashew cream in place of dairy milk for a creamy texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting herbs and spices briefly before adding to the sauce, which releases deeper, more intense aromatics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg