Craving a cozy, creamy, and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and lightened up? You must try my pumpkin mac and cheese! This dish perfectly blends the cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the smooth, savory flavor of pumpkin puree. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together effortlessly in one pot! This super delicious recipe is not only easy to make, but it also offers a healthier option with light cheeses and the goodness of pumpkin. This easy pumpkin mac and cheese is a must-try. Dive into this incredible dish and discover your new favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese!

Why You Will Love This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Creamy & Cheesy: The pumpkin puree adds a velvety texture, while a blend of cheddar and feta gives it a rich, tangy flavor.
Easy to Make: This dish comes together quickly and easily with simple ingredients.
Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin flavor comes effortlessly from a can of pumpkin puree.
Effortless: This pumpkin mac and cheese effortlessly comes together, simply mix all the ingredients to create the sauce and then mix in the cooked pasta.
Versatile: You can customize this dish using your pasta of choice or a pasta alternative to soak up the creamy sauce.
Healthy: This is a lighter version of traditional pumpkin mac and cheese. There is no butter in this recipe.

What Is Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

Pumpkin mac and cheese is a cozy, comforting take on classic mac and cheese, with a rich, creamy pumpkin flavor. For this recipe, we used canned pumpkin puree combined with a blend of cheeses, including feta, cheddar cheese powder, and shredded cheddar. It creates a deliciously smooth and savory sauce. Plus, this recipe is lightened up and requires minimal effort. All the ingredients come together in one pot! It’s a simple yet delicious meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta: Cook twelve ounces of dried pasta according to the package directions. Or, you can use your favorite pasta alternative.
Pumpkin Puree: Use one, 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
Cheddar Cheese Powder: Add cheddar cheese powder to give the sauce a cheesy flavor in a lighter way. It reduces the amount of feta and shredded light cheddar you need for this recipe.
Light Feta: Add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, cheesy flavor. It adds another dimension of cheesy flavor to the sauce.
Light Cheddar Cheese: Shredded light cheddar cheese adds more cheesy goodness to the sauce.
Milk: Use your milk of choice. We like unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder adds flavor.
Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder for another layer of flavor.
Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor.
Italian Seasoning: The Italian seasoning adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A touch of pumpkin pie spice or ground nutmeg adds a cozy, warm flavor to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Pasta Options

For your pumpkin mac and cheese, you can choose from several pasta options depending on your dietary preferences and desired texture. Here are some great choices. You can even use a low-carb pasta alternative if desired.

Elbow Macaroni: Traditional for mac and cheese, it has a classic look and texture.
Cavatappi: Has a twisty texture that holds the sauce well.
Shells: Are perfect for capturing the creamy pumpkin mac and cheese sauce.
Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Look for varieties made from rice, chickpeas, or lentils for a similar texture to regular pasta.
Carba-Nada Pasta: A high-protein, low-carb option.
Fiber Gourmet: A lower-carb pasta alternative.
Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): For a lighter option.
Spaghetti Squash: A low-carb and naturally gluten-free pasta alternative. You can use our air fryer spaghetti squash recipe.
Quinoa Pasta: It has a nutty flavor and is packed with protein.
Brown Rice Pasta: It has a mild flavor and is a gluten-free option that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Lentils: Serve this pumpkin mac and cheese sauce over cooked lentils.

How To Make Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the dried pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain it and set aside.

Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, powdered cheddar cheese, light cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, pumpkin spice (or nutmeg), salt, and pepper. Crumble the feta cheese into the sauce and stir gently to combine.

Pumpkin mac and cheese ingredients in saucepan

Step 3: Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined into a smooth sauce. For an even smoother consistency, blend the sauce with an immersion blender or regular blender.

Step 4: Stir the cooked pasta into the pumpkin mac and cheese sauce until well coated.

Pasta mixed in pumpkin mac and cheese sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pumpkin mac and cheese warm after making it for a comforting meal. Enjoy it on its own for a creamy, satisfying dish, or add chopped cooked chicken for a boost of protein. Or, serve it alongside grilled chicken for a savory pairing. For a more vibrant, well-rounded meal, pair it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, make an excellent side dish.

Expert Tips

Crumble The Feta: Finely crumble the feta so it easily combines in the sauce. Or, if you don’t want to mix the feta into the sauce, you can crumble it over top before serving.
Ultra-Smooth Sauce: You can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to make your pumpkin cheese sauce extra creamy before stirring in the pasta. Blending the sauce is a simple and effective way to ensure the feta cheese is incorporated smoothly.
Make Ahead: This mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time and reheat when ready to enjoy!
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pumpkin mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to serve it again, reheat it in a saucepan on the stove. This recipe is perfect for meal prep!

Pumpkin mac and cheese in storage container

Variations

Milk To Use: You can use unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, or even regular dairy milk for this recipe.
Spicy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese: Add a kick of heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the pumpkin sauce. Or, mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smokier, spicier flavor.
Pumpkin and Bacon Mac: Cook some crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the top of your mac and cheese for added flavor and texture. The savory, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy pumpkin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free?

This pumpkin mac and cheese can easily be made gluten-free! Just substitute the pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free pasta alternative such as lentils, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles.

Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin mac and cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it and combine it with the cooked pasta.

Can I Freeze Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin mac and cheese. Let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

More Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.