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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Featured in Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love.

Creamy pumpkin pasta transforms everyday pasta into a cozy autumn meal that's both comforting and quick to prepare. The silky sauce combines pumpkin puree with Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and velvety coating that clings perfectly to every bite. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while garlic and Italian seasonings bring depth to the dish. The natural creaminess of pumpkin means you get all the comfort without heavy cream, making it a smart choice for weeknight dinners. This pasta dish proves that seasonal cooking can be both simple and satisfying, ready in just about 30 minutes.
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:14:52 GMT
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A bowl of creamy pumpkin pasta topped with grated cheese and fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A bowl of creamy pumpkin pasta topped with grated cheese and fresh basil leaves. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my favorite fall pasta that transformed my family's view of pumpkin forever! After years of only using pumpkin in sweet dishes I discovered this incredible savory transformation. That creamy sauce with hints of nutmeg and fresh rosemary wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta pure autumn magic! The first time I made this my husband couldn't believe it was pumpkin now it's our most requested fall dinner.

Why This Pasta Is Special

This isn't your ordinary cream sauce! The pumpkin creates this incredibly silky texture while adding subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty Parmesan. Last week when I served this to my pasta-loving friend she said it was better than any restaurant version. Even my kids who usually avoid anything orange clean their plates!

What You'll Need

  • The Basics: Good short pasta like penne or rigatoni, Pure pumpkin puree, Sweet onion diced small, Fresh garlic and rosemary, Rich chicken or veggie broth, Heavy cream makes it luxurious, Fresh grated Parmesan
  • The Extras: Fresh baby spinach, Red pepper flakes if you like heat, Warm nutmeg, Your best olive oil

Let's Start Cooking

Building Our Base
First get that pasta water boiling well-salted water is so important! While the pasta cooks we create magic with onions garlic and rosemary. The kitchen starts smelling like an Italian autumn dream!
Creating The Sauce
When we add that pumpkin cream and broth everything transforms into this gorgeous golden color. Watching it come together is like painting with fall colors. That moment when the Parmesan melts in pure comfort food perfection!
Bringing It All Together
Tossing the pasta in that velvety sauce watching it cling to every ridge it's like conducting an autumn symphony. Adding the spinach at the end brings such beautiful color and freshness.
A bowl of creamy penne pasta coated in a rich orange sauce, garnished with black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of creamy penne pasta coated in a rich orange sauce, garnished with black pepper. | cookingkeys.com

Making It Perfect

Want my secrets for the best pumpkin pasta? Always reserve some pasta water before draining helps create the perfect sauce consistency. Grate your Parmesan fresh makes such a difference in melting and flavor. And here's my favorite tip add the nutmeg gradually tasting as you go it should whisper not shout!

Serving It Up

This pasta deserves beautiful presentation! I love serving it in my favorite pasta bowls with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top. Some crusty garlic bread on the side is absolutely essential for soaking up every last drop of sauce! For dinner parties I'll add a light salad on the side everyone always wants seconds.

Keeping It Fresh

While this pasta is best fresh you can save leftovers for the next day! Just reheat it gently adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life. I often make extra sauce without the pasta and freeze it makes weeknight dinners so easy!

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to play with the recipe! Sometimes I'll add Italian sausage gives it extra warmth and spice. My vegetarian friend loves it with roasted butternut squash added in. Once I topped it with toasted walnuts and crispy sage leaves absolute game changer! That's what makes cooking fun finding your perfect combination.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy penne pasta garnished with sage leaves and grated cheese. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of creamy penne pasta garnished with sage leaves and grated cheese. | cookingkeys.com

Why This Recipe Matters

This pasta has become our favorite way to welcome fall! There's something so satisfying about transforming humble pumpkin into something so elegant and comforting. My kids are learning about seasonal cooking watching how we can create something wonderful from fall ingredients. The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's surprised faces when they taste how amazing pumpkin can be in a savory dish! Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends this never disappoints. And watching people discover new ways to love familiar ingredients? That's what makes cooking so rewarding!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I substitute heavy cream?

Yes, you can use coconut cream, whole milk, or a plant-based cream for a lighter option.

→ What can I use instead of spinach?

You can substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or fresh sage leaves for added flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This creamy pumpkin pasta is a quick and easy main course, combining pumpkin, Parmesan, and spinach for a delicious meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil.
03 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
04 4-5 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped.
06 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
07 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree.
08 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth.
09 1/2 cup heavy cream.
10 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
11 1/2 teaspoon salt.
12 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
13 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
14 2 cups baby spinach leaves (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, then add garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 03

Stir in the pumpkin puree and broth until smooth. Mix in the cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 04

Lower the heat and mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach (if using). Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.

Step 05

Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Large skillet.
  • Wooden spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (from pasta).
  • Dairy (from cream and cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 334
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~