Description
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a comforting fall dish combining natural pumpkin sweetness with a rich and velvety sauce. This easy-to-make meal balances indulgent creaminess and savory flavors, perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, it can be easily tailored for vegan, gluten-free, or spicy versions.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh herbs (sage and thyme), chopped, for garnish
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free alternative)
Optional Additions
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spicy twist)
- Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon bits (for protein boost)
- Rosemary or parsley (alternative herbs)
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Gently sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil or butter over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. This builds the savory foundation that balances the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Add Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the pumpkin puree, then pour in the heavy cream or chosen dairy substitute. Mix well over low heat, letting the sauce thicken slightly as it absorbs the flavors.
- Season and Flavor: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously so the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing its texture and taste.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the pumpkin sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a creamy consistency. Finish by sprinkling fresh herbs like sage or thyme and extra Parmesan on top for garnish.
Notes
- Use real pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and help sauce adhere better.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin sauce without losing flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent curdling and keep it smooth.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve bright flavors and colors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: creamy pumpkin pasta, fall pasta recipe, pumpkin puree pasta, vegan pumpkin pasta, gluten-free pasta dish, autumn dinner, comfort food pasta
