Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Healthy Fact of the Day

While creamy and indulgent, this pasta dish offers some nutritional benefits from the pumpkin, which is rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients. The heavy cream can be partially replaced with milk or pumpkin puree to reduce calories and fat. Adding vegetables like spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts can increase the nutrient content. Pine nuts provide healthy fats and protein. To lighten the dish further, try using cashew cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. While delicious, this is a calorie-dense meal, so consider portion size and pair with a large salad for a more balanced dinner.

Ingredients

 

  • 1 lb fettuccine or pappardelle pasta
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup freshly grated
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.

  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

  3. Add shallot and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. Add pumpkin puree and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

  5. Stir in nutmeg, chopped sage, salt, and pepper.

  6. Simmer sauce on low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

  7. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

  8. Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted.

  9. Drain pasta and add to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.

  10. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

  11. Top with toasted pine nuts and additional Parmesan.

  12. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.

Twirl your fork into this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta and let the silky sauce wrap around each strand like a cozy autumn blanket! The sweet earthiness of pumpkin melds perfectly with the savory Parmesan and aromatic sage, creating a pasta dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re craving fall flavors or looking to elevate your pasta game, this dish delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort. So grab your biggest pot, pick your favorite pasta shape, and get ready to create a bowl of pure autumn comfort that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Recent Recipes

Smoky Black Bean & Cotija Bites

  • June 14, 2026
  • 14 min read

Miso Ginger Chicken & Soba Noodle Bowls

  • June 14, 2026
  • 15 min read

Savory Herb & Goat Cheese Egg Bake

  • June 14, 2026
  • 14 min read

Why the World’s Most Interesting Breakfasts Are

  • June 14, 2026
  • 9 min read

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

  • June 14, 2026
  • 9 min read

Trader Joe’s June 2026 Haul: The Items

  • June 13, 2026
  • 4 min read

Spinach and Feta Frittata

  • June 13, 2026
  • 11 min read

Your Rice Cooker Does Way More Than

  • June 13, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Stories Food Tells About Who We

  • June 13, 2026
  • 9 min read

Grilled Salmon with Orange Maple Glaze

  • June 13, 2026
  • 9 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Meal Prep
Benjamin Brown

Smoky Black Bean & Cotija Bites

Black beans are one of the most nutrient-dense legumes available—delivering plant-based protein, soluble fiber, iron, folate, and polyphenol antioxidants in a single ingredient that slows digestion, supports gut health, and keeps energy steady for hours. A snack built around black beans is a snack that genuinely earns its keep.

Read More »
Asian
Amelia Grace

Miso Ginger Chicken & Soba Noodle Bowls

White miso paste is a fermented food with genuine probiotic benefits—supporting gut microbiome diversity and digestive health with each serving. Combined with the complete protein of chicken, the complex carbohydrates of soba noodles (made from buckwheat, one of the most nutrient-dense grains available), and the fiber-rich broccoli and carrot, this bowl delivers a nutritional profile as impressive as its flavor.

Read More »
Breakfast
Benjamin Brown

Savory Herb & Goat Cheese Egg Bake Cups

Eggs and goat cheese together provide one of the most bioavailable combinations of complete protein and calcium available in a single ingredient pairing—and fresh herbs like basil and thyme contribute genuine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that go far beyond their role as flavor additions. This cup earns its place nutritionally as thoroughly as it earns it in taste.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content