Creamy Spinach and Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Name: Creamy Spinach and Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni or shell pasta; 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup plain pumpkin puree; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1.5 cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This is a cozy fall dinner that mixes the sweetness of pumpkin with salty bacon and fresh spinach for a perfect family meal.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· November 3, 2026

Creamy Spinach and Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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Prep

10 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

30 minutes

Serves

There is something so comforting about a big bowl of mac and cheese when the weather gets chilly. This version uses pumpkin to make the sauce extra creamy and adds a lovely orange color that kids and adults both enjoy.

The bacon adds a nice smoky crunch while the spinach keeps things feeling a bit lighter. If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce as it really brings out the pumpkin.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni or shell pasta
6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup plain pumpkin puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8Instructions

1
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is tender.
2
While the pasta cooks, place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and fry it until it is nice and crispy.
3
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel, but keep about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.
4
Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute until the garlic smells wonderful.
5
Stir in the milk and pumpkin puree, whisking them together until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer.
6
Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
7
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir it for a minute or two until the leaves have wilted.
8
Drain the pasta and pour it into the cheese sauce, then stir in the crispy bacon bits and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tips

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, add a splash of milk to make the sauce creamy again since the pasta tends to soak up the liquid.

#Dinner #Comfort Food #Pumpkin #Pasta #Family Friendly

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