This creamy parmesan pumpkin pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With rich pumpkin and cheesy goodness, it’s so comforting and perfect for any season.
Honestly, I can never resist twirling this pasta on my fork! It’s super easy to make and always impresses friends. Just add a sprinkle of extra cheese, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne are great choices for this recipe, as their shapes hold the sauce well. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap in any gluten-free pasta you like, just adjust cooking time as needed.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, but homemade is always a delicious option if you have the time. If you’re out of pumpkin, butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree can work as tasty substitutes.
Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy, but you can also use half-and-half for a lighter touch. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a nut-based cream substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a wonderful flavor. If you’re looking for a cheese substitute, Pecorino Romano gives a similar salty kick. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a cheesy flavor.
Sage: Dried sage works, but fresh sage really makes a difference in flavor. If you can’t find sage, thyme or rosemary can work as a flavorful substitute, though they have their own distinct tastes.
How Should I Prepare the Sauce for Best Flavor?
The key to a delicious creamy sauce is to build flavors gradually. Start by sautéing garlic in butter, which releases its aroma and sweetness. Be careful not to let the garlic brown as it can turn bitter.
- Combine the pumpkin puree with the cream and spices in the skillet. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
- Cook gently over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to achieve the right thickness.
- Adding cheese last allows it to melt smoothly into the sauce, enhancing the creaminess.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before mixing in the pasta, as this ensures the sauce is perfectly seasoned!
These simple techniques will elevate your pasta dish, making it even more comforting and delightful!
Easy Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rigatoni or penne works well)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon dried sage or 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped (plus extra sage leaves for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing sage)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and another 10 minutes making the creamy sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-12 minutes. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta so you can adjust the sauce later if needed.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Make sure not to let it brown, as that can make the flavors bitter.
3. Make the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce:
Add the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, ground nutmeg, and sage to the skillet with the garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken.
4. Add the Cheese:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and beautifully combined with the sauce. If the sauce feels thick, don’t worry! Just add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
5. Season Perfectly:
Give your sauce a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Tasting it here is essential—you want to ensure it’s perfect!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, mixing everything until the pasta is fully coated and warmed through. It should look inviting and creamy!
7. Garnish (Optional):
If you’d like to add a crispy touch, heat a little olive oil in a small pan and fry some fresh sage leaves until crisp. This makes a delicious and beautiful garnish!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Divide the pasta among bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, and those lovely crispy sage leaves if you made them. Dig in and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting dish!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you choose to use fresh pumpkin, be sure to roast or steam it until tender, then puree it until smooth. This will provide that fresh pumpkin flavor in your dish!
Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and omitting the butter. You can sauté the garlic in olive oil instead!
How Long Does Leftover Pasta Last?
Leftover creamy pumpkin pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be ready to add a splash of water or cream when reheating to bring back its creamy texture!
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sausage, or sautéed shrimp would all complement the creamy pumpkin sauce beautifully. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in along with the pasta!
