Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a rich and velvety fall-inspired dish that combines the natural sweetness and earthiness of pumpkin with smooth creaminess. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings, featuring a golden-orange sauce that coats your favorite pasta beautifully and delivers warm, cozy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably fresh)
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni recommended)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried sage or thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your chosen pasta until just al dente so it will finish cooking perfectly in the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, releasing its rich aroma.
- Add Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the pumpkin puree followed by the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, luscious base that will coat the pasta beautifully.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in your herbs, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce gently simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently so every piece is evenly coated with the creamy pumpkin goodness.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring for an extra layer of savory richness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree if possible for a more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it slightly firm for best texture.
- Adjust creaminess by adding cream gradually to control sauce thickness.
- Toast dried herbs lightly beforehand to enhance their aroma.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: pumpkin pasta, creamy pumpkin pasta, fall recipe, comfort food, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta
Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/creamy-pumpkin-pasta/