Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

User Reviews

5

792 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    4 servings

  • Calories

    355 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta blends cooked cavatappi pasta with a sauce made from pumpkin puree, sautéed garlic and sage, and seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The addition of whole milk turns the mixture creamy while reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Topped with grated Parmesan, it offers a comforting, mildly spiced pasta dish that highlights autumnal flavors in a simple preparation.

Description

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta starts by cooking cavatappi or similar pasta al dente in salted boiling water, reserving some pasta water before draining. Garlic and minced sage are sautéed briefly in olive oil until fragrant, forming the aromatic base. Pumpkin puree is stirred in with seasoning of salt, pepper, and a touch of ground nutmeg, a subtle warming spice complementing the pumpkin's natural earthiness.

Adding whole milk creates a creamy sauce that gently simmers with the pumpkin mixture for a few minutes. The cooked pasta is then tossed in the sauce, and reserved pasta water is added to adjust consistency so the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a salty, umami-enhancing finish that cuts through the richness.

This dish is a mellow, creamy pasta choice reflecting fall produce and simple, approachable seasonings. It can be enjoyed immediately as a vegetarian main dish or side. Its texture is creamy yet light, with tender pasta and savory, spiced sauce.

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, allowing for convenient reheating and meal prep options.

I Made This!

75 people made this

Save this

377 people saved this

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 ounces cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3-4 sage minced, leaves
  • 3-4 garlic minced, cloves
  • 1 ounce pumpkin puree canned
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup milk whole
  • Parmesan Cheese for serving, grated

Instructions

  1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sage, and cook until aromatic, 1 minute. Add the pumpkin puree, salt, pepper and nutmeg and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add the milk and stir until well combined and creamy.
  3. Toss the reserved cooked pasta with the sauce, add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to combine until the sauce clings to the pasta and is glossy.
  4. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top, if using and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container; it keeps well for 4-5 days in the fridge.
  • Reserved pasta water is added to loosen the sauce and help it adhere to the pasta.
  • Use whole milk for a creamy sauce; adjustments can be made with milk quantity to preference.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish and can be added according to taste.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 355kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 64g (21%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 7mg (2%) Sodium 22mg (1%) Potassium 348mg (7%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 11102IU (222%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 58mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 355 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 355kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 64g 21%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 7mg 2%
Sodium 22mg 1%
Potassium 348mg 7%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 11102IU 222%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 58mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

792 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Crispy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

Irish
5.0 (639 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Italian
5.0 (108 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Filipino Adobo Chicken

Filipino
5.0 (84 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)