Lunch & Dinner

One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese – Hearty Food Ideas

Name: One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese – Hearty Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound short-cut pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped; 8–9 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced; 1 cup canned coconut milk or full-fat milk; 3 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded gouda cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Glennis Annis September 1, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

As the leaves begin to turn and the air crispen, nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm bowl of mac and cheese. But wait, let’s kick it up a notch with a splash of autumn flair—pumpkin! Picture this: you’re cozying up on the couch with your favorite blanket, the warm scent of garlic wafting from the kitchen, while the delightful cheesy goodness of pumpkin mac and cheese simmers away. It’s the perfect dish whether you’re hosting friends for game day, enjoying a family dinner, or just treating yourself on a chilly evening.

What is One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a delightful blend of traditional mac and cheese with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. Plus, the use of just one pot means easy cooking with minimal cleanup—who could ask for more? The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutrition, making this a pasta dish you can feel good about.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

1 pound short-cut pasta: Choose your favorite type, like elbow macaroni or any other fun shapes.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness right from the start.
2 garlic cloves, crushed: For that aromatic kick.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: A touch of earthiness.
8-9 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced: Sage gives an autumnal flavor.
1 cup canned coconut milk or full-fat milk: Creaminess in every bite.
3 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes: For an ultra-creamy sauce.
1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show, letting the fall vibes shine.
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Classic and bold cheese flavor.
1 ½ cups shredded gouda cheese: Adds a smoky depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: A little boost of flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked onion powder: Complements the cheese beautifully.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness to tie everything together.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a tiny kick.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A hint of warmth and spice.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning to taste.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: For a slight tang!
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary: That fresh herbal taste.

How to Make One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

In simple terms, making this dish is all about layering flavors in one pot. It’s as straightforward as it sounds! You’ll start by cooking the pasta and then building the creamy sauce right in the same pot, mixing in all the delicious ingredients to achieve that perfect texture and flavor. Let’s dive into the steps!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, add in your short-cut pasta. Boil according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook later, so don’t overdo it!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once your pasta is cooked, don’t drain it just yet. Instead, make a little space in the pot. Add the unsalted butter, crushed garlic cloves, chopped thyme, and sliced sage. Sauté these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. The aroma of garlic mixed with herbs will instantly make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.

Step 3: Mix in the Dairy

Now, time to enhance that buttery goodness! Pour in the canned coconut milk (or your choice of milk). Then, add the cream cheese cubes. Stir it gently until the cream cheese begins to melt and blend into the sauce. This creates a creamy base.

Step 4: Add the Pumpkin and Spices

Next, it’s all about that pumpkin magic. Stir in the pumpkin puree along with garlic powder, smoked onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg. Give it a good mix. The vibrant orange hue of the pumpkin will brighten your dish and your day!

Step 5: Cheese, Please!

Now comes the best part: cheese! Add in the shredded cheddar and gouda. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce. You’ll notice the cheese thickens the sauce beautifully. If you like it extra cheesy, feel free to toss in a bit more!

Step 6: Season to Taste

At this point, you should check for seasoning. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Taste it. Is it rich? Creamy? Perfectly seasoned? You might want to adjust any seasonings based on your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all ingredients are combined, your one pot pumpkin mac and cheese is ready! Serve it warm in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Take a moment to admire your creation before diving in!

Notes

Here are some handy tips for making this dish even better:

Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheddar and gouda for the best flavor.
Limit Water in Pasta: Don’t overcook your pasta. Since it will continue to incorporate moisture while cooking in the sauce, you’ll want it slightly firm.
Experiment with Seasonings: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love heat, bump up the cayenne!
Fresh Herbs Go a Long Way: If you have extra herbs, feel free to add them in for freshness!
Leftovers Are Bonus: This dish reheats beautifully, so make a little extra for lunch tomorrow!

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just pop it in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Freeze: If you want to save some for a rainy day, freeze portions in airtight containers. It can last up to a month! Just thaw and reheat when the craving calls.

Nutrition Information

For the nutrient-conscious, here’s a brief rundown:

Calories: Approximately 550 per serving (varies based on exact measurements and ingredients)
Protein: 22g (depends on cheese quality)
Fat: 30g (with healthy fats from cheese and milk)
Carbohydrates: 47g

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few fun ideas to serve with your one pot pumpkin mac and cheese:

Crunchy Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the creamy pasta and adds a refreshing crunch.
Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? Serve warm, crispy slices on the side for dipping in that cheesy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli add a delightful veggie counterpart to the heavy pasta. Plus, they’re super tasty!
Grilled Chicken: Add some protein with grilled chicken on top. It’s an easy way to make this meal even heartier and filling.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, serve a warm apple crisp. The sweet, spiced apples complement your savory dish perfectly.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese?

If you want to make this recipe your own, here are some excellent substitutes you can consider:

Coconut Milk for Almond Milk: If you prefer a nutty flavor, almond milk works fine. Just keep it unsweetened for the best taste.
Different Cheese Blends: Feel free to mix different types of cheese! Mozzarella or pepper jack could provide a fun twist.
Vegetable Broth for Water: Instead of just water for boiling pasta, use vegetable broth for added flavor.
Pumpkin Spice for Nutmeg: If you like the warmth of pumpkin spice, it can be added instead of nutmeg for a sweeter profile.
Chickpeas for Protein: For a creamy crunch, toss in cooked chickpeas. They’re packed with protein and fiber!

Conclusion

In the end, one pot pumpkin mac and cheese is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The ease of one-pot cooking, combined with creamy pumpkin and melted cheese, transforms simple ingredients into a cozy feast. Whether it’s a cold Sunday afternoon or a casual Tuesday night, this dish wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. Make it, share it, and enjoy every bite. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be craving pumpkin mac and cheese all year round! So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let your culinary adventure begin. Happy cooking!

You’ll also like the following Recipes!

Print Recipe

One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese – Hearty Food Ideas

Author: Glennis Annis Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 550 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description