Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta is a comforting fall-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with sautéed garlic, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper, this dish balances savory and slightly sweet flavors perfectly, making it ideal for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
For the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or sage (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Add pumpkin puree to the skillet with garlic; stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pumpkin sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta on plates or bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or sage if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Customize by adding sautéed spinach, roasted butternut squash, or cooked protein like chicken or sausage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or vegan cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Sage brown butter variation: melt butter until golden brown, add sage leaves, and toss pasta in for a nutty twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or toasted walnuts/pecans for crunch.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- If using fresh pumpkin, roast and purée for similar results.
Keywords: creamy pumpkin pasta, parmesan pumpkin pasta, fall pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta, pumpkin puree recipe, easy dinner ideas
