Name: Best Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 large shallot, chopped; 2 Tbsp garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Pinch nutmeg; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Pumpkin seeds (for garnish); Sage leaves (for garnish)

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This indulgent yet comforting pasta dish features a velvety pumpkin sauce, nutty Parmesan, and crisp garnishes—perfect for cozy dinners and fall evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory-sweet creamy sauce: Pumpkin puree blended with cream and broth creates a rich, homey flavor.
Quick and easy: From boiling pasta to serving, this comes together in about 20–25 minutes.
Textural delight: Al dente pasta, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and crispy sage make every bite exciting.
Customizable: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or non-dairy options to suit your diet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb penne pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
2 Tbsp garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pinch nutmeg
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

For Garnish:

Pumpkin seeds
Sage leaves

Directions

Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped shallot and sauté about 2 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and rosemary, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the sauce
Pour in pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Stir to combine into a smooth mixture. Lower heat to medium and pour in heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let simmer a few minutes to meld flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add drained penne to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan until pasta is evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water in small amounts until the texture reaches the desired creaminess.
Serve
Divide pasta into bowls. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy sage leaves, and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Lighten it up: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
Herb swap: Use thyme instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or pancetta for a heartier dish.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or on top for warmth.
Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra texture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freeze: Not recommended due to cream content—texture may become grainy after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes—fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work well with the creamy sauce.

2. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the pumpkin sauce, cool completely, refrigerate up to 2 days, then reheat and stir in pasta when ready.

3. What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Use ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or substitute with thyme or sage.

4. Can I omit the cream to make it dairy-free?

Yes—use full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream.

5. How do I get crispy sage leaves?

Fry sage leaves in a bit of olive oil for 1–2 minutes until edges are crisp, then drain on paper towels.

6. Is canned pumpkin okay?

Yes—as long as it’s plain pumpkin puree, not seasoned pumpkin pie filling.

7. Why add nutmeg?

A pinch of nutmeg enhances the pumpkin flavor without overpowering the dish.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—just double all ingredients and use a larger pot to evenly coat pasta.

9. How do I toast pumpkin seeds?

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toss seeds until they pop and turn golden—about 3–5 minutes.

10. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Feel free to use Pecorino Romano or asiago for a sharper flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall or anytime you crave comforting, seasonal flavors. With its lush sauce, satisfying texture, and easy variations, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Serve it warm, garnish creatively, and enjoy bowls of autumn bliss.

Ezabella