Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Name: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 oz pasta of your choice; Water for boiling; Salt for pasta water

Highlighted under: Vital Meals

I absolutely love making creamy pumpkin pasta during the fall months! The combination of pumpkin and pasta creates a deliciously comforting dish that is perfect for cozy evenings. I enjoy experimenting with spices and herbs to enhance the flavor, and this recipe has become a family favorite. The creaminess of the sauce paired with the Earthy sweetness of the pumpkin is simply irresistible. Plus, it's a quick and easy dish to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to recipe for us!

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:29:35.854Z

I've made this creamy pumpkin pasta many times, and each time I tweak it just a bit to make it even better. One of my favorite modifications is using fresh herbs like thyme or sage, which brighten up the sauce beautifully. I often add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving, adding a nice salty contrast to the sweet pumpkin.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility; you can easily adapt it by adding in other vegetables or proteins. For example, some sautéed spinach or crispy bacon bits can take the dish to the next level. Every time I serve this, I am reminded of how simple ingredients can create such rich flavors!

Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Creamy sauce that envelops each pasta strand perfectly
Subtle sweetness from the pumpkin that pairs wonderfully with spices
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner

The Importance of Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient in this dish, providing not only flavor but also a rich, creamy texture. When selecting pumpkin puree, opt for 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling to avoid added sugars and spices that can alter the dish's balance. If you're feeling adventurous, consider roasting fresh pumpkins and pureeing them for a sweeter, more vibrant option. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the sauce, creating a harmonious balance.

For those watching their calorie intake, pumpkin provides both flavor and nutrition without excess calories. It's packed with vitamins A and C, making this creamy pasta not just indulgent but also a bit healthier. I recommend using organic pumpkin puree when available for the best flavor and quality.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Sauce

The key to achieving a perfectly creamy sauce lies in how you incorporate the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Start with low heat when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling. Stir constantly until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens, which usually takes around 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. The goal is a sauce that clings to the pasta without being overly runny.

Sage adds an aromatic, earthy quality to the dish; however, it can be overpowering. If you're unsure, start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary, which will lend different yet complementary flavors to the pumpkin sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This creamy pumpkin pasta is delicious on its own, but feel free to add protein such as grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal. To garnish, sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds or additional Parmesan cheese to add texture and a nutty flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad to balance the richness of the dish, making a delightful dinner that is both satisfying and nutritious.

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta until just under al dente, as it will continue to soften when reheated. Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the sauce on low heat and add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy texture. This not only saves time but also ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!

Ingredients

For the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta of your choice
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water

Instructions

Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the pumpkin puree, cream, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly coated.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper, if desired.

Tips

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the pasta. Fresh spinach or kale can also add great nutrition and color to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Note that using Greek yogurt will give a tangier flavor. Just be sure to stir it in at a lower heat to prevent curdling, and adjust seasoning accordingly since Greek yogurt can be tangy.

For a vegan alternative, consider using coconut cream and nutritional yeast to mimic the creaminess and cheesy flavor. Coconut cream has a rich consistency that can complement the pumpkin while adding a subtle flavor. Just be mindful that it will impart a different taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the sauce turns out grainy after adding the Parmesan, it might be due to cooking at too high of a temperature. Keep the heat low and remove the skillet from the burner when adding the cheese to help it melt smoothly. Stirring continuously will also help integrate it into the sauce without clumping.

In case your sauce seems too thin, don't panic! Gradually adding more reserved pasta water can help thicken it. Alternatively, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to help reduce and thicken without losing flavor. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This recipe can easily be adjusted to serve more or fewer people. For doubling the recipe, simply increase each ingredient proportionately. However, consider cooking the pasta in separate batches to maintain the right texture, as overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredients. The sauce keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a full batch and enjoy leftovers, which also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully for this recipe and is a convenient option.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shapes work well, but I recommend using fettuccine or penne for better sauce adherence.

→ Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.