If there’s one dish that screams cozy fall comfort, it’s this creamy One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. It blends the rich, cheesy goodness of classic mac with the velvety warmth of pumpkin for a truly seasonal spin. And best of all, it all comes together in just one pot. No mountain of dishes to clean, no complicated steps—just pure, flavorful comfort food made simple.

Creamy One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for how effortlessly it delivers on both flavor and convenience. It’s creamy, comforting, and feels indulgent while sneaking in some added nutrition. The pumpkin makes the sauce extra velvety without overpowering the cheese, and the whole thing comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. One bite, and I’m hooked every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or shells
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère works wonders)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat lovers

Directions

I start by combining the macaroni, broth, milk, and pumpkin puree in a large pot.
Then I place the pot over medium-high heat and stir frequently as it comes to a boil—this helps keep the pasta from sticking.
Once it hits a boil, I lower the heat and let it simmer. I keep stirring until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens, usually around 8 to 10 minutes.
I remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until it melts completely.
Then I add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. I stir until the cheese melts into a silky, smooth sauce.
At this point, I taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes I’ll add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
Before serving, I let it sit for a few minutes so it thickens up even more.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes stir in cooked spinach or kale at the end for a bit of green.
To make it heartier, I’ll add diced cooked chicken or roasted chickpeas.
I swap the cheese depending on what I have—white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even fontina all melt beautifully.
For a smoky twist, I use smoked paprika in place of nutmeg.
To make it dairy-free, I use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, and it still turns out creamy.

Storage/reheating

I always make extra because the leftovers are just as delicious.

Storage: I let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Freezing: While I can freeze it, I know the texture might change a bit. I try to eat it fresh, but if I do freeze it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, I stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that don’t belong in savory mac and cheese.

What kind of pasta works best?

I prefer elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi because they hold onto the sauce really well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I just use my favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

How do I make it spicier?

For extra heat, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a few dashes of hot sauce right before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but I like to slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when I reheat it later.

Conclusion

This creamy One Pot Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish I come back to again and again. It’s cozy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I need a quick dinner or something comforting for a chilly night, this recipe always delivers. Once that cheesy pumpkin sauce wraps around every bite of pasta, I know I’ve found the perfect fall comfort food.