Description
Creamy pumpkin pasta is a cozy and comforting fall dish combining the natural sweetness of pumpkin with rich cream and savory seasonings. This luscious sauce clings perfectly to your favorite pasta, offering a warm, inviting taste of autumn that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to brown it. Stir in the pumpkin puree and cook together for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly whisk in heavy cream or half-and-half until the sauce is smooth. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Season and Finish: Add fresh sage or thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and mix until well coated. Remove from heat and allow flavors to meld for a minute or two before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin when possible for best flavor and vibrant color.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture holds up well in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually for perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: creamy pumpkin pasta, fall pasta recipe, pumpkin puree pasta, comfort food, autumn dinner