This creamy pumpkin pasta is cozy, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes! Made with canned pumpkin, garlic, and parmesan, perfect for a quick fall dinner.
Equipment
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A skillet or saucepan for the sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works great
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter for extra richness
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg for that classic fall flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserve before draining the pasta
- Fresh parsley or sage chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Optional add-ins
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage cooked and crumbled (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cups fresh spinach wilted in the sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help loosen up the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 3: Create the pumpkin sauce
- Stir in the canned pumpkin puree and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season generously with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Step 4: Combine pasta and sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add optional ingredients (if using)
- If you’re using cooked sausage or wilted spinach, stir them in now. They add a hearty, flavorful touch that takes this dish to the next level.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
- Serve the pumpkin pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sage if you’d like. Grab a fork, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!