Silky Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe: Autumn Comfort in a Bowl

Autumn’s golden light inspires this creamy pumpkin pasta that whispers comfort with every bite.

Crisp winds carry memories of cozy kitchen moments and seasonal warmth.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of rich, velvety flavors.

Smooth pumpkin blends seamlessly with delicate pasta, promising a culinary embrace.

Nutmeg and sage add subtle depth to this inviting dish.

Hearty yet elegant, the recipe promises to delight your senses.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this soul-warming creation.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta That Impresses

• Create Classic Comfort: Dive into a traditional dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table, perfect for gathering family and friends around a delightful slice of homemade goodness.
• Master Simple Baking: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires minimal baking skills, with clear steps anyone can follow, making it an ideal choice for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Embrace the rich, autumnal flavors of pumpkin and warm spices that capture the essence of fall, transforming a basic ingredient into a spectacular dessert everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your pie by adding optional toppings like whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, allowing you to make this classic dessert uniquely yours with minimal extra effort.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides the main structure of the dish.

• Pumpkin Puree: A creamy, seasonal ingredient that gives the sauce its signature orange color and rich flavor.
• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and provides a smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: A fragrant aromatic that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.

• Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sage: Classic autumn spices that complement the pumpkin and add warmth to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, umami-rich cheese that melts smoothly and adds richness to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Broth: Liquids that create a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: An extra ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Crispy Sage, Toasted Nuts: Optional garnishes that provide texture and additional flavor complexity.

Step-By-Step Guide To Pumpkin Pasta Preparation

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Add pasta to salted boiling water and cook until tender. Drain and keep warm.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

In a large skillet, warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Infuse Seasonal Flavors

• Pumpkin puree
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Chopped sage

Stir and cook to blend spices and develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Vegetable broth

Simmer gently, allowing sauce to thicken and develop richness.

Step 5: Enhance With Cheese

Fold in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Season with salt and pepper to complement the pumpkin’s sweetness.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta in the velvety sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

Optional: Swirl in butter for extra luxurious texture.

Step 7: Elevate and Serve

Plate immediately.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan, crispy sage leaves, toasted pine nuts, and a dash of black pepper for an irresistible autumn meal.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the sauce's smooth, rich texture and depth of flavor.
• Boost the sauce's creaminess by adding a splash of pasta water when mixing pasta and sauce, helping the mixture cling better.
• Adjust spice levels by experimenting with different quantities of nutmeg and cinnamon to match personal taste preferences.
• Keep the pasta slightly undercooked before adding to the sauce, as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften during the final mixing stage.
• Swap heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free version, maintaining the recipe's creamy consistency.

Flavorful Twists For Pumpkin Pasta

• Spicy Pumpkin Pasta: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to create a fiery version with a kick of heat.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pasta: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Roasted Vegetable Pumpkin Pasta: Mix in roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, and crispy Brussels sprouts for extra texture and depth.
• Autumn Mushroom Pumpkin Pasta: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini and fold them into the sauce for an earthy, seasonal variation.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Pumpkin Pasta

• Serve this creamy pumpkin pasta in individual rustic ceramic bowls. Pair with a crisp autumn salad featuring roasted butternut squash and maple-glazed pecans. Create a warm, inviting table setting with soft candlelight and scattered fall leaves.
• Transform the pasta into a crowd-pleasing casserole by baking it with an extra layer of melted mozzarella on top. Bring to a community gathering in a large ceramic dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs for a beautiful presentation that screams comfort and warmth.

Proper Storage For Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• When reheating, add a little extra cream or broth to help revive the sauce's creamy texture and prevent the sauce from becoming dry or grainy.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s smooth and strain any excess liquid for the best sauce consistency.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure to choose a vegetarian Parmesan cheese.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and fiber. Consider adding spinach or kale for extra vegetables.

• What if I don't have sage?

Replace sage with thyme or rosemary. Dried herbs work well too, just use half the amount of fresh herbs.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy pumpkin pasta recipe that blends Italian traditions with autumn warmth. Seasonal ingredients and simple techniques create a memorable meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted water pot to rolling boil at high heat. Submerge pasta and cook until tender with slight resistance, following package timing. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in expansive skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent, approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate pumpkin puree into skillet. Sprinkle nutmeg, cinnamon, and sage, allowing spices to bloom and intensify flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. Slowly stream heavy cream and vegetable broth into mixture. Reduce heat, allowing sauce to gently simmer and gradually thicken, roughly 5 minutes.
5. Integrate grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates silky consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
6. Fold cooked pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly coated. Optional: Swirl in butter for additional luxurious richness.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Embellish with extra Parmesan shavings, crisp sage leaves, toasted chopped nuts, and fresh cracked pepper for enhanced texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Toast sage leaves in butter before adding to create a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste and texture.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a silkier sauce if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg