Description
Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish combining smooth pumpkin puree with rich Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe coats your favorite pasta in a velvety, slightly sweet, and savory sauce perfect for cozy dinners or elegant meals all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Pumpkin and Cream: Pour in the pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Season and Thicken: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to your desired creaminess. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce. Warm through for another minute and then serve.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for enhanced flavor compared to canned.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Keep heat moderate when cooking the cream to avoid curdling and maintain smooth texture.
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Lightly toast nutmeg before adding to the sauce to enhance its aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg