Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti: 7 Cozy Fall Bites to Love

If fall had a flavor, it would be Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti. Creamy, comforting, and kissed with crispy bacon — this dish is the edible version of a cozy blanket and a Hallmark movie night. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just yourself (because you deserve it!), this recipe delivers rich, savory goodness in under 30 minutes.

As a busy cook myself, I know how satisfying it is to whip up something that feels fancy but doesn’t require five pans or a culinary degree. That’s why this Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti with Crispy Bacon is one of my go-tos when I crave comfort food with a gourmet twist — minus the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti

This recipe is the perfect marriage of cozy fall flavors and creamy pasta heaven. The pumpkin puree gives the sauce a silky, velvety texture, while mushrooms add that earthy depth we all love. Then there’s the bacon — crispy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible. Every bite feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Here’s what makes it truly magical:

• ✨ Ready in about 30 minutes
• ✨ Simple ingredients you probably already have
• ✨ Perfect for weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner
• ✨ A balanced mix of savory, creamy, and just a hint of sweetness

And honestly? It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing — like fall and comfort rolled into one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you start (and maybe pour yourself a little glass of wine — you’ve earned it!):

• 12 oz spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, if needed)
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti with Crispy Bacon

This recipe is beautifully straightforward — the kind that looks impressive but feels like a breeze.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Before draining, save ½ cup of the pasta water (it’s liquid gold for your sauce!).

Step 2: Crisp That Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until gloriously crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Pour off some of the bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. If your pan looks dry, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them cook for 5–7 minutes until they’re golden brown and tender.

Step 4: Add the Flavor
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant (that smell… heavenly!). Stir in the pumpkin puree, thyme, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it all mingle for a couple of minutes to warm through.

Step 5: Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Combine & Toss
Add your cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect consistency.

Step 7: Serve & Swoon
Top each plate with crispy bacon, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and — because life is better with cheese — a little extra Parmesan.

Chef Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pasta

• Pumpkin power: Use pure pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling — for that true earthy sweetness without the extra sugar.
• Mushroom magic: Cremini mushrooms add richer flavor, but button mushrooms work just fine too.
• Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk.
• Leftovers love: The sauce thickens as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to creamy perfection.
• Feeling fancy? Add a handful of baby spinach or a pinch of chili flakes for a fun twist.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti, it was one of those crisp fall evenings where all you want is something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent. My kids were skeptical about “pumpkin pasta” (understandably so), but once they took a bite — silence. The good kind. The this-is-too-good-to-talk kind.

Now it’s our annual “welcome fall” dinner, complete with pumpkin candles and oversized sweaters. It’s become a family favorite, and I hope it brings a bit of that magic to your table too.

FAQs About Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti

Bring the Magic to Your Table

This Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti with Crispy Bacon is more than a meal — it’s a cozy celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something that feels special without the fuss, this dish checks every box.

So grab your fork (and maybe a second helping), and let the creamy, smoky, pumpkin goodness wrap you up in pure deliciousness.

Happy cooking — and remember, every great meal starts with a little magic

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If this Pumpkin and Mushroom Spaghetti with Crispy Bacon won your heart (and your taste buds), you’re going to adore these other comforting, flavor-packed recipes from Chicken Magic Recipes. They pair beautifully with this dish or stand strong on their own for your next cozy dinner night. Here are a few hand-picked favorites to explore next:

• Try my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta — it’s another silky, fall-inspired pasta that brings together rich, nutty flavors and a velvety sauce perfect for chilly evenings.
• For a hearty twist, my Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta adds tender chicken to the pumpkin magic you already love. It’s creamy, savory, and a total weeknight win.
• If you’re craving something that balances earthy mushrooms and creamy cheese, the Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyère Pasta is your new obsession — trust me, it’s date-night-level delicious.
• And don’t miss my Pumpkin Sage and Mushroom Tart — a stunning, savory bake that makes the perfect centerpiece for any autumn gathering.

Each of these recipes shares the same cozy, comforting essence that makes fall cooking so irresistible. Go ahead and bookmark your favorites — because your kitchen deserves a little more magic this season.

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