Pumpkin Mac & Cheese 🧀🎃

🍂 Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

Let’s be honest—mac and cheese is already the ultimate comfort food. But when you add pumpkin to the mix? Oh. My. Gourd. You get a creamy, dreamy, autumn-kissed twist on the classic that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re snuggled under a blanket or hosting a cozy dinner, this Pumpkin Mac & Cheese brings all the fall vibes with savory cheeses, buttery garlic, and just the right touch of spice. It’s the perfect dish for when the leaves are falling and your cravings are rising!

🧡 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cozy dish:

3/4 lb pasta (elbow, shells, cavatappi, or your fave!)
Salted water (for boiling)
4 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, 100% pumpkin)
2 cups heavy cream
Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, sage
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded gouda
1 cup reserved pasta water
Extra cheese for topping

🍴 Let’s Get Cooking!

This recipe is simple, comforting, and totally doable even on a busy fall weeknight. Here’s how to bring it to life:

1. Boil That Pasta

Cook your pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining—this is the magic elixir that makes everything creamy later on.

2. Make That Buttery Garlic Base

In a large sauté pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook until it’s fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute. (Your kitchen will already smell amazing.)

3. Add the Pumpkin and Cream

Now for the star of the show: stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, followed by 2 cups of heavy cream. Whisk it all together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. We’re building a rich, velvety sauce here!

4. Spice It Up

Time to flavor that sauce! Season with:

Salt & pepper (to taste)
A dash of garlic powder and onion powder
Paprika for warmth
Dried parsley for a fresh herbal note
And sage—because nothing says “fall” like a hint of sage

5. Melt in the Cheeses

Add your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda. Stir everything until it’s perfectly melted and smooth. The combo of these three cheeses creates a stretchy, melty, rich base that’s to die for.

6. Combine with Pasta

Add your cooked pasta and just a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and gradually add more pasta water as needed until your mac is silky, creamy, and well-coated.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with an extra sprinkle of cheese (because we can), and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes before diving in so the flavors can settle and the sauce thickens slightly.

🎃 Tips & Tricks for Pumpkin Mac & Cheese Success

Use high-quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged, giving you a smoother sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better in the oven and won’t turn mushy.
Customize the spice: Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat, or a dash of nutmeg for that sweet, cozy twist.
Add-ins welcome! Try mixing in some crispy bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

🍁 What to Serve with Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

Balance this creamy dream with something fresh or crispy:

A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette
Roasted veggies (butternut squash, broccoli, or Brussels)
Garlic bread or crusty sourdough for scooping

👩‍🍳 Make It Ahead & Store It

Planning a dinner party or holiday meal? You can absolutely make this ahead of time:

Make ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step. Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra tablespoons of cream before baking.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream for maximum creaminess.

💬 Let’s Talk Pumpkin Pasta

This Pumpkin Mac & Cheese is more than a recipe—it’s a warm bowl of fall coziness, cheesy nostalgia, and seasonal magic all in one bite. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a regular Tuesday night when you want something indulgent and a little different, it never disappoints.

Have you tried pumpkin in pasta before? Let me know how yours turns out in the comments—or tag me on Instagram @KeiraRecipes so I can drool over your creations! 🧡✨

Loved this Pumpkin Mac & Cheese? Be sure to:

📌 Pin it to your fall recipe board
💌 Share it with your cozy food-loving friends
📝 Leave a comment and rating—it helps so much!

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