Go Back
–+ servings
Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese for Cozy Fall Nights

Enjoy a comforting Spinach Bacon Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, perfect for fall with creamy pumpkin cheese sauce, savory bacon, and nutritious spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice
For the Flavor
  • 4 oz Bacon can substitute turkey bacon
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach can swap for kale or broccoli
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Butter or vegan butter for dairy-free
  • 3 tbsp All-purpose flour can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free
  • 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk can replace with regular milk
  • 1 cup Grated parmesan cheese use shredded if unavailable
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese mix with mozzarella if desired
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 cup Pumpkin puree canned or homemade
For Topping
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs gluten-free options are available

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Basic Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook cavatappi pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Chop and mix with pasta.
  4. Wilt spinach in the same skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then fold into pasta and bacon.
  5. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add almond milk, stirring until thick, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in cheese and pumpkin puree until melted and smooth.
  7. Pour cheese sauce over pasta mixture and mix well. Transfer into a baking dish.
  8. Combine panko with melted butter and sprinkle over mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for about 25 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To prevent a soggy dish, bake covered initially, then uncover for the last 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!