When the air turns crisp and the nights come quicker, I find myself craving a bowl of something cozy. That’s where creamy pumpkin pasta comes in. It’s smooth, earthy, and comforting, with a hint of nutmeg that feels like fall in every bite. The best part is you can have it ready in just 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 30 minutes
- Creamy and full of fall flavor without feeling heavy
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Easy to customize with extra veggies or protein
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pasta: Rigatoni works well, but penne or shells will hold the sauce too.
- Olive oil: You can swap with avocado oil if that’s what you have.
- Fresh sage and garlic: They build a fragrant base.
- Pumpkin purée: Canned or homemade both work.
- Spices: Nutmeg, salt, and black pepper give warmth.
- Milk: Whole milk keeps it creamy, but half-and-half, cream, or unsweetened dairy-free milk also work.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds richness, but nutritional yeast is a nice vegan option.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 ½ cups of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sage. Stir for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin purée, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let it cook 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Pour in the milk. Stir until smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Pour in about 1 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce clings to the pasta, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in parmesan. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Always reserve pasta water, it helps the sauce stay silky.
- Salt the pasta water generously, it makes a difference.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or chicken for variety.
- Serve right away for the best creamy texture.
FAQs
How to make creamy pumpkin pasta?
Cook pasta, build a sauce with garlic, sage, pumpkin, milk, and spices, then toss together with parmesan and pasta water until creamy.
What can I put in pasta to make it creamy?
You can use milk, cream, or even dairy-free alternatives. Adding parmesan or pasta water helps create a silky sauce.
What goes well with pumpkin in pasta?
Pumpkin pairs well with sage, garlic, nutmeg, mushrooms, spinach, sausage, and parmesan.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s favorite pasta dish?
Gordon Ramsay has shared love for simple classics like tagliatelle with truffles, though he also enjoys bold, rustic pasta dishes.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe Card
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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta | Quick & Delicious Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and creamy pumpkin pasta made in just 30 minutes with sage, garlic, nutmeg, and parmesan. Perfect for fall dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 sage leaves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup whole milk
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta al dente in salted boiling water, reserve 1 ½ cups pasta water, drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet, add sage and garlic, cook 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Stir in pumpkin purée, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook 2–3 minutes.
4. Add milk, stir until creamy.
5. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water; toss until sauce clings to pasta, 3–4 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese, serve immediately with extra parmesan.
Notes
Storage: Keep in airtight container in fridge for 4–5 days.
Reheat: Microwave or stovetop, add a little water to thin sauce if needed.
Tips: Cook pasta al dente, reserve pasta water for sauce, add veggies or protein if desired, cook pasta in salted water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Halloween Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz pasta
- Calories: 289 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 9 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love cozy fall dishes, you’ll also enjoy my Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup. For another creamy comfort recipe, try my Creamy Baked Pumpkin Risotto. If you prefer a roasted side, you’ll love Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Chili & Feta. And for a sweet snack, my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins are always a hit.
Final Thoughts
Creamy pumpkin pasta is cozy, versatile, and quick enough for weeknights. It makes fall dinners feel special without much effort. Try it as written or add your own twist with veggies or protein. And if you make it, share your version with me on Pinterest or over on Facebook.