Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines the velvety smoothness of pumpkin with the perfect blend of spices, making it ideal for cozy fall dinners. It’s creamy, flavorful, and the perfect balance of savory and sweet. This pasta is a wonderful way to incorporate pumpkin into a savory dish, making it a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and so comforting. The creamy pumpkin sauce is both rich and light, with the perfect hints of garlic, sage, and nutmeg. It’s easy to prepare and a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a hearty pasta dish. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can be made dairy-free with a few simple substitutions.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)

• Salt, for pasta water

For the Pumpkin Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (or homemade puree)

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Make the Pumpkin Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sage. Mix everything together until smooth and heated through.

5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to make the sauce extra creamy and coat the pasta well.

2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve:

1. Serve the creamy pumpkin pasta in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and extra sage, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is about 20 minutes, so it’s ready in 30 minutes!

Variations

I like to:

• Add sautéed spinach or kale to the pasta for extra veggies.

• Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and skipping the Parmesan.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover creamy pumpkin pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pumpkin sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve, then toss it with the reheated sauce.

Can I freeze the creamy pumpkin sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, cook and puree the pumpkin, then use it in place of canned pumpkin.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is the ultimate fall comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and creamy, with the perfect combination of spices to warm you up on chilly evenings. This dish is simple to make but feels like a special treat that captures all the cozy flavors of the season.

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