If you’re looking for a cozy twist on a classic comfort food, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe. I love this recipe because it marries the warm, spicy notes of pumpkin spice with the creamy richness of cheese in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, you’ll find this mac and cheese is a real crowd-pleaser — and honestly, my family goes crazy for it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combo: The pumpkin spice gives a seasonal, aromatic spin to traditional mac and cheese without overpowering it.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving you dishes and time in the kitchen.
Creamy Comfort: The mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan creates a luscious texture that’s just perfect.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making meal prep easy and delicious.

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, festive comfort food, cheesy pumpkin pasta, seasonal fall recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe comes alive with simple pantry staples that blend perfectly together. When you shop, make sure to grab good-quality shredded cheeses and 100% pumpkin purée—not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor and texture.

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, festive comfort food, cheesy pumpkin pasta, seasonal fall recipe

Unsalted butter: Melts evenly and lets you control the salt level in your dish.
Pumpkin spice blend: Adds that signature fragrant warmth; homemade or store-bought work great.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without sharpness.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor subtly.
Pumpkin purée: Provides creaminess and natural sweetness, the heart of this recipe.
Short-cut pasta: I like pipe regate or macaroni noodles to catch all that cheesy sauce.
Water: For cooking the pasta right in the pot.
Fine salt: To season as you go and balance flavors.
Cream cheese: Creates a silky, rich sauce with a subtle tang.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For that familiar melty, bold cheesiness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor that rounds out the dish perfectly.

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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 love experimenting with this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe based on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to customize the cheese blend or even the pasta shape to make it your own! Don’t hesitate to try it with a veggie boost or even a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.

Cheese Swaps: I once swapped sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, and it added a lovely smoky depth that paired beautifully with pumpkin spice.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Using a spiral gluten-free pasta like fusilli works well; just watch the cooking time closely to keep it from getting mushy.
Extra Veggies: Stir in some roasted butternut squash or sautéed kale for added texture and nutrients.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want a warm kick alongside the pumpkin spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Spices and Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pumpkin spice blend, garlic powder, and onion powder. I’ll be honest — this part always gets me excited because the kitchen fills with fragrance like fall in a bowl. Cook it for about 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the butter turns a lovely golden brown and you see specks forming. This toasting step really brings out the flavors, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Pumpkin Purée and Pasta

Stir in the pumpkin purée and give it a minute to warm through — this helps marry all those wonderful spices with the pumpkin. Then add the short-cut pasta, water, and a teaspoon of fine salt. Cover and bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, take off the lid and set a timer for 8 minutes.

Step 3: Stir and Simmer Until Pasta is Perfect

Keep stirring often — the more toward the end, the better, to prevent any sticking or scorching. You’ll want to keep a steady simmer, so lower the heat if things get too aggressive. When the timer goes off, the pasta should be tender but still have a little bite (al dente). Don’t drain any water; it’s part of the sauce!

Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Finish With Cheeses

Next, add cubed cream cheese to the pot and continue simmering for 4 to 5 minutes until it melts smoothly into the pasta. This step brings incredible creaminess and a subtle tang. Turn the heat all the way down, then mix in your shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan. Stir gently until all the cheese melts into a luscious, creamy sauce. Give it a taste now and adjust salt if needed — I always find just a little more brings everything alive. Then remove the pot from heat and it’s ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Toast the Spices Slowly: I learned that toasting the pumpkin spice and aromatics gently draws out more flavor than tossing them in at the end.
Don’t Rinse the Pasta: Keeping that starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully — rinsing ruins the magic!
Add Cheese Off the Heat: Adding cheddar and Parmesan after turning down the heat prevents graininess and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting, since cheese already adds saltiness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like topping this mac and cheese with extra freshly grated Parmesan for a salty bite and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. A few scattered fresh sage leaves lightly crisped in butter also bring a lovely herbal touch that pairs incredibly with the pumpkin spices.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans tossed with a bit of garlic and olive oil. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a nice contrast to the creamy richness. For meat lovers, oven-roasted chicken or pork chops are fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs toasted with melted butter. It looks elegant and adds a delightful crunchy texture. Another time, I baked it briefly until bubbly and golden brown on top — irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I have leftovers, I find allowing the mac and cheese to come to room temperature before refrigerating helps it reheat more evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this mac and cheese successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to cool it fully before freezing to keep ice crystals from forming. It keeps well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until warmed through. If in a hurry, the microwave works fine too — just cover and warm in short bursts, stirring in between to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

I don’t recommend it because pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and spiced already, which can throw off the flavor balance. Stick with plain pumpkin purée for the best savory flavor in this recipe.
What’s the best pasta shape for this mac and cheese?

I love short-cut pastas that hold sauce well, like pipe regate, macaroni, casarecce, or fusilli. They trap the creamy pumpkin spice sauce in every bite!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, ideally a spiral shape like fusilli made from brown rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time because gluten-free pasta can get mushy quickly.
Can I add meat or veggies to this dish?

Absolutely! Roasted chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed veggies like kale or butternut squash make delicious add-ins that complement the pumpkin spice flavor beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. It holds up well in the fridge and freezer, making it a smart, tasty option for making ahead and reheating during busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it captures the essence of fall in a creamy, cheesy bowl that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate and always sparks happy smiles around the dinner table. I encourage you to give it a try and play with the spices or cheeses to suit your taste — I think you’ll find it’s a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!