Name: Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice blend* (see notes); 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder; 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 pound short-cut pasta (pipe regate, macaroni noodles, casarecce, cavatelli, fusilli); 5 cups water; 1 teaspoon fine salt, to taste; 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese; ½ cup (2 ounces) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

If you’re anything like me and love all things cozy and comforting, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s like your favorite fall flavors wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy hug of pasta. I first stumbled upon this combination on a chilly afternoon and quickly discovered it’s a total game changer—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be begging for seconds, just like mine do every time I bring it to the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Twist: Pumpkin spice brings an unexpected cozy warmth to classic mac and cheese.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup super easy—something I always appreciate.
Perfect for Fall and Beyond: Whether it’s a chilly autumn night or you want to keep those flavors going all year, this recipe fits the bill.

A white scalloped bowl filled with creamy, smooth mac and cheese showing thick noodles coated evenly with bright orange cheese sauce, placed on a wooden board with a soft blue and white cloth beside it, an old silver fork resting on the cloth, a small white bowl with grated cheese slightly visible in the top left corner, and a white pot with more mac and cheese on the top right on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese, pumpkin spice mac and cheese recipe, cozy fall pasta dish, cheesy pumpkin pasta, seasonal pumpkin cheese meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that smooth, rich cheesy sauce with a subtle spicy-sweet pumpkin kick. Grab real pumpkin purée, not the pie filling, to keep the flavor just right.

Flat lay of bright orange pumpkin purée, golden cubes of cream cheese, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, finely grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant orange-brown pumpkin spice blend with visible specks of cinnamon and nutmeg, loose elbow macaroni pasta in a natural pale cream color, and a small pile of garlic and onion powders, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese, pumpkin spice mac and cheese recipe, cozy fall pasta dish, cheesy pumpkin pasta, seasonal pumpkin cheese meal

Unsalted butter: Melts evenly and carries the spices—unsalted gives you control over saltiness.
Pumpkin spice blend: Use a fresh blend or make your own for the best aromatic punch.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra flavor dimension.
Pumpkin purée: Not pumpkin pie filling—this gives you pure, natural pumpkin taste.
Short-cut pasta: I love pipe rigate or casarecce because their ridges hold onto sauce perfectly.
Water: Where the pasta cooks and combines with the pumpkin for a luscious texture.
Fine salt: Essential for balancing flavors—tweak to your taste.
Cream cheese: Brings a velvety smoothness that melts right into the sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese for that classic mac and cheese punch.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish—plus a little sprinkled on top for serving is a must in my house.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood—don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you want it vegetarian, dairy-free, or a little extra spicy, there’s a tweak for you.

Adding Bacon or Sausage: My family loves tossing in crispy bacon bits for a smoky contrast; it turns the dish into a hearty meal.
Vegan Version: Swap out cream cheese and cheddar for plant-based alternatives, and use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some cayenne or chipotle powder if you want to heat things up; it’s delicious with the pumpkin spice warmth.
Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve had great success with brown rice fusilli—just stir gently so it holds its shape as it cooks.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Butter with Spices

Start by melting your unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once melted, toss in your pumpkin spice blend, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir this mixture often for about 2 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter starts to brown a little and releases a really warm, fragrant aroma—that’s how you know the flavors have truly awakened. Just be careful not to burn it; keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.

Step 2: Add Pumpkin and Pasta

Next, stir in your pumpkin purée and cook it for about a minute. Then, add your short-cut pasta along with the water and salt. Cover the pot and crank the heat up to high so it comes to a boil quickly. Once boiling, remove the lid and lower it to medium heat to maintain a steady simmer. Set a timer for 8 minutes and stir often, especially towards the end, to prevent the pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom.

Step 3: Melt in Cream Cheese

When the timer goes off, don’t drain the water! Stir in the cubed cream cheese. Keep simmering gently until the cream cheese fully melts and the pasta reaches al dente texture—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Be careful when tasting because the dish will be hot, but this step is key for that creamy, luxurious consistency.

Step 4: Finish with Cheddar and Parmesan

Lower the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix until everything is melted and silky smooth, then remove your pot from the heat. Taste and add a bit more salt if you think it needs it—I usually add an extra ¼ teaspoon. Serve immediately, and if you’re like me, don’t forget the extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Fresh Pumpkin Spice Blend: I recommend making your own blend fresh—it keeps the spices vibrant and avoids that overly sweet store-bought taste.
Stir Often: Don’t skip stirring while the pasta simmers; I learned the hard way that pasta can stick quickly and scorch the pot.
Cheese Temperature: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before adding; it melts faster and integrates smoothly.
Taste Before Salting: Since cheese is salty, taste before adding too much salt to avoid over-seasoning—something I always remind myself.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to elevate this dish with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right when I dish it out—it adds that fabulous nutty punch on top. Sometimes, a few toasted pumpkin seeds here and there add a fun crunch, which contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta. Fresh thyme leaves can also complement those pumpkin spice notes beautifully if you want a touch of green.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in apple cider vinaigrette—that fresh acidity cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed kale also make great sides if you want to keep it seasonal and hearty. And for a complete meal, some oven-roasted chicken or turkey sausage works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve served this mac and cheese in mini cast iron skillets topped with extra cheese and a light dusting of smoked paprika—everyone loves the rustic look and the slightly crispy top. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out small pumpkins for a festive touch that’s both charming and practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the mac and cheese tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I’ve reheated it, I find it’s best to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it thickens when chilled. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times without issue. Just cool it completely, pack into an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Be ready to stir in a little cream or milk to restore that creamy texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat on low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This way you avoid drying out your mac and cheese and keep it silky smooth, just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the cream cheese and cheddar for your favorite dairy-free alternatives, like vegan cream cheese and shredded vegan cheddar. Nutritional yeast is a great addition to boost cheesy flavor when using dairy-free cheeses.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?

I recommend short-cut pasta with ridges like pipe rigate or casarecce because they hold the sauce wonderfully. If you use gluten-free pasta, pick a spiral shaped one like fusilli and stir gently while cooking to maintain shape.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, it’s best to avoid pie filling since it’s sweetened and spiced already, which can make your mac and cheese too sweet. Stick to pumpkin purée for the purest flavor.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the pumpkin spice level?

This recipe has a warm, gentle pumpkin spice flavor—not spicy hot. You can easily adjust the spice blend amount to suit your taste or omit ingredients like cloves if you prefer a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those unexpected delights that I can’t stop making once the weather turns cool. It’s creamy, comforting, and just cozy enough without being over the top. I love how the pumpkin spice adds a little magic to a comforting classic. Seriously, if you want to wow your guests or just treat yourself on an ordinary night, this recipe is the one to try. I’m excited for you to make it and watch it become your new favorite too!