Name: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 cup pasta cooking water, reserved; ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (optional); Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

If you crave comfort food that tastes like autumn in a bowl, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is calling your name! Imagine velvety sauce clinging to every strand of pasta, rich with roasted garlic, hints of nutmeg, and the gentle, earthy sweetness of pumpkin.

This cozy pasta is the very best way to bring easy elegance to your dinner table. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and barely 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal at home - perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a hearty, soul-warming pick-me-up.

Inspired by my love for classic Italian cuisine and upgraded with seasonal pumpkin, this dish is a longtime family favorite we make on repeat every fall. Trust me, once you try it, you'll understand why!

A bowl of creamy pumpkin pasta with sage and parmesan

Why You'll Love This Recipe

30-minute dinner that feels fancy, with effortless prep and cleanup
Delivers rich, savory-sweet flavors and a luscious, creamy texture
Vegetarian-friendly, with easy vegan and gluten-free swaps
Uses pantry staples like canned pumpkin and dried pasta for convenience

Key Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

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

Pumpkin Puree

The star of the show! Pumpkin puree creates the luxuriously creamy, golden sauce and imparts gentle sweetness. Use canned, 100 percent pure pumpkin for convenience, or roast and puree your own for deeper flavor. Be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds incomparable silkiness and brings the sauce together. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half, or use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for a vegan twist. The richer the cream, the creamier your sauce will be!

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan gives a wonderful nutty, salty depth and smooths out the sauce. Look for a wedge you can grate yourself for best flavor and meltability. For a vegetarian or vegan option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Pasta

Choose your favorite pasta shape - penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work beautifully. Short shapes catch the creamy sauce in every bite, but long noodles feel extra elegant. For gluten-free needs, use a quality gluten-free pasta.

Fresh Sage (Optional)

Sage pairs perfectly with pumpkin, offering an aromatic, earthy note that feels extra special. If you don't have fresh sage, rosemary or thyme can also work, or you can leave it out for a simpler profile.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

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

Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Make the Pumpkin Sauce

Stir in the pumpkin puree and cook for about 1 minute, blending it with the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the sauce is smooth and bubbling gently.

Add Cheese and Pasta Water

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and incorporated. Gradually add some reserved pasta water (start with ½ cup), stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your ideal creamy consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy pumpkin sauce. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Finish and Serve

Stir in chopped fresh sage, if using. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if desired.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream, and swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese. The end result will still be luxuriously creamy and bursting with flavor!

Add Protein

Bulk up your pasta by topping with sautéed mushrooms, roasted chicken, or crispy bacon. For a vegetarian protein boost, try tossing in canned cannellini beans or chickpeas.

Gluten-Free Swap

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for an allergy-friendly version. Make sure to check your Parmesan substitute if you're dairy-free, too.

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes in the sauce. Roasted or fried sage leaves also make an elegant and flavorful garnish.

Extra Veggies

Stir in handfuls of fresh spinach, kale, or cooked peas right at the end for a pop of color, extra nutrition, and even more flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette and garlic bread or crusty sourdough for the ultimate cozy meal. Try topping each bowl with more fresh Parmesan, extra sage leaves, and a few toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus pairs wonderfully, too.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. While this pasta can technically be frozen, the sauce may separate upon thawing, so freezing is not recommended for optimal creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I use freshly cooked pumpkin instead of canned puree?

A: Yes, just mash or blend cooked pumpkin until perfectly smooth. Roasted pumpkin has a richer flavor but make sure to drain excess moisture so your sauce stays velvety.

Q: Will this work with other types of squash?

A: Absolutely! Butternut squash puree or acorn squash puree are both excellent swaps - just expect subtle notes of sweetness and a slightly lighter sauce.

Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened oat/soy cream, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a satisfying cheesy finish.

If you're craving cozy, creamy comfort food with a seasonal twist, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is sure to become your new favorite - easy, flavorful, and so satisfying. I hope you love it as much as my family does! If you try the recipe, don't forget to leave a comment and rating below. Bon appétit!