Description
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a cozy and heartwarming fall dish that blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with rich cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs into a silky sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple and versatile recipe offers comforting flavors ideal for family meals, weeknight dinners, or any occasion needing an autumn-inspired touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pumpkin Puree – 1 cup
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1 cup
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice) – 12 oz
- Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated – 1/2 cup
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Fresh Sage or Thyme, chopped – 1 tablespoon
- Nutmeg, ground – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper, freshly ground – to taste
- Olive Oil or Butter – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about half a cup of pasta water before discarding the rest. The pasta water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs like sage or thyme, sautéing until fragrant and golden—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the sauce.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the pumpkin puree, followed by heavy cream or half-and-half. Mix thoroughly and warm the sauce gently without boiling to keep it silky smooth.
- Season and Thicken: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency. Adjust thickness by adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce, using tongs to coat each strand evenly. Heat together for another minute so the flavors meld perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh sage or thyme elevates the sauce’s aroma much more than dried herbs.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is magic for achieving a smooth and silky sauce consistency.
- Don’t Overheat: Keep the sauce on low heat to avoid curdling from the cream or cheese.
- Freshly Grate Cheese: Fresh Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Balance Sweetness: A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar can add brightness if the pumpkin feels too sweet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg