Name: Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; 2 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1 ½ cups pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; ½ cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food-Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta! This dish is absolutely dreamy, with a rich, velvety sauce that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the smoky spice of Cajun seasoning, and the irresistible creaminess of classic Alfredo.

Every bite is bursting with bold flavor and luscious, silky texture. Plus, it comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it a swoon-worthy weeknight dinner or a special meal for chilly autumn evenings.

What truly makes this pasta a must-try is its brilliant blend of cozy and spicy-the pumpkin mellows out the heat, and the Cajun punch keeps each forkful exciting. Whether you're new to savory pumpkin recipes or already hooked, you'll be amazed at how easy and crowd-pleasing this unique twist on Alfredo is.

Inspired by my favorite Cajun café and perfected over years of weeknight cooking, this is comfort food with a delicious seasonal spin you'll crave all year long!

Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of parsley

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Rich, velvety sauce with layered flavors-pumpkin, spice, and cream in perfect harmony
Quick and easy-on the table in under 45 minutes with minimal fuss
Perfect for cozy fall dinners or impressing guests with unexpected flavor
Customizable for meat lovers, vegetarians, or dairy-free needs
Leftovers taste even better, making it a great next-day lunch

Key Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree gives this dish its signature silky texture and subtle sweetness. It's crucial for creating that gorgeous orange-hued sauce. For best results, use pure canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), but homemade cooked and mashed pumpkin works too if you want extra freshness. Butternut squash puree can also substitute in a pinch and will deliver a slightly sweeter flavor.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is the spice hero here, adding a smoky, garlicky, and peppery kick that balances the creaminess of the sauce. You can use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and dried herbs. If you're sensitive to heat, start with less and adjust to taste. For a milder take, try Creole seasoning instead.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream lends an irresistibly smooth, indulgent body to the sauce. It brings all the flavors together for maximum richness. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be less thick. For dairy-free, substitute with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened non-dairy creamer.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese helps thicken the sauce and adds a nutty, salty edge. I highly recommend grating it yourself for best melting and flavor; pre-shredded versions often don't melt as smoothly. If you're keeping it vegetarian-friendly, make sure your cheese is labeled "vegetarian" (some Parmesan uses animal rennet). Nutritional yeast can be substituted for a dairy-free version.

Fettuccine Pasta

Classic fettuccine is perfect for holding on to the creamy sauce, but any long pasta like linguine or tagliatelle will work. For added fiber, try whole wheat fettuccine, or use gluten-free pasta as needed. Cook until al dente so the pasta keeps a nice bite.

Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the rest and set pasta aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Build the Sauce

Stir in the pumpkin puree, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and the mixture heat through. Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything into a smooth sauce.

Add Cheese and Simmer

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a silky texture. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if you'd like extra heat.

Toss Pasta and Serve

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat well, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create your perfect creamy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.

Recipe Variations

Add Protein

Want to turn this into a heartier main? Toss in some sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or spicy Andouille sausage right before serving. Each adds a tasty Cajun twist and plenty of protein!

Make It Vegan

Skip the dairy! Use plant-based butter, coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Be sure your pasta is egg-free.

Dial Up the Veggies

Add color and nutrition by stirring in sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers. Mushrooms or zucchini ribbons also work beautifully and soak up the sauce.

Gluten-Free Version

Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or spaghetti. The sauce is naturally gluten-free and shines just as bright on gluten-free noodles.

Mild & Kid-Friendly

Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon and skip the smoked paprika if you're serving little ones or spice-sensitive eaters. The flavor is still rich with a gentle warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra veggies. For a special finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. For a true fall feast, pair it with apple cider or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk, water, or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. This pasta isn't ideal for freezing because the cream sauce may separate, but you can freeze the sauce on its own for up to 2 months and prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and cook the pasta just before serving. Warm the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

Q: Does this pasta taste strongly of pumpkin?

A: No-the pumpkin adds creaminess and subtle sweetness but doesn't overpower the Cajun and cheesy flavors. Even pumpkin skeptics love it!

Q: How can I make this recipe less spicy?

A: Start with less Cajun seasoning, omit the smoked paprika, and add more as you taste. It's easy to control the heat level to your family's preference.

Ready to bring cozy, spicy goodness to your dinner table? This Creamy Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is a true fall (or anytime!) crowd-pleaser you'll crave again and again. Give it a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating-I'd love to hear what you think!