Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

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If fall had a flavor, it would be this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta. It’s a bowl of velvety comfort, blending the earthiness of pumpkin with rich cream, a touch of garlic, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to bring warmth to every bite. The pasta holds onto that luxurious sauce like it’s made to be together—and with a finish of parmesan and herbs, it’s downright irresistible.

Perfect for weeknights or date nights, this dish feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy. Plus, it makes a fun twist on traditional creamy pasta dishes by introducing subtle sweetness and autumnal flair. You don’t need to be a pumpkin fanatic to fall in love with it.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

• Ready in under 30 minutes for easy weeknight dinners
• Uses simple pantry staples like canned pumpkin and garlic
• Feels gourmet with minimal effort
• Creamy without being too heavy
• Cozy and perfect for autumn or anytime you’re craving comfort food

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Pumpkin Sauce?

Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or shells are ideal because they hold onto the thick sauce beautifully. Rigatoni, especially, offers deep ridges that scoop up the creamy pumpkin mixture perfectly. You could also use fettuccine or linguine for a more elegant presentation.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in delivering its cozy, creamy personality:

• Rigatoni pasta: Its tube shape grabs onto the sauce, giving you flavorful bites every time.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the dish, it brings creaminess, earthiness, and a subtle sweetness.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky without overpowering the pumpkin.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and enhances the umami flavor.
• Garlic: Essential for grounding the sweetness of the pumpkin with savory notes.
• Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and aromatic base.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• Nutmeg: A pinch elevates the pumpkin’s natural sweetness with a warm touch.
• Salt and black pepper: Balance and sharpen the overall taste.
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh, herby finish.

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How To Make the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the pumpkin puree and stir well. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Pasta

Reduce heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted. Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and top with more parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings—perfect for a cozy dinner with leftovers to enjoy the next day. To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze it, skip adding the pasta water when making the sauce, then freeze the sauce alone. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

What to Serve With Creamy Pumpkin Pasta?

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their crispy edges and slight bitterness are the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Garlic Bread

A classic, crunchy side that’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Apple Walnut Salad

The sweet-tart flavor of apples and the crunch of walnuts bring freshness and texture.

Sage-Butter Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms browned in sage-infused butter take this fall meal to the next level.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

These sweet-savory carrots echo the warm flavors in the pasta.

Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery greens cut through the richness with ease.

Grilled Chicken Breast

Add lean protein to make the dish more filling without overpowering the flavors.

Crusty Sourdough Bread

Rustic and chewy, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you can’t get enough comforting pasta, here are some delicious ideas worth trying:

• Creamy Beef and Shells — a comforting one-pan delight
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna — seafood elegance meets comfort food
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta — a smoky, savory weeknight star
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta — ultra-creamy and indulgent
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta — fast, hearty, and always satisfying

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chili flakes for some heat? Try a little crispy sage on top?

I love seeing how you make it your own. Drop your variations or questions below—we’re all about sharing great food ideas together.

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