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

Cold Stone Creamery Just Launched a Supergirl

  • June 17, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Underrated Pleasure of Eating Alone

  • June 17, 2026
  • 9 min read

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

  • June 17, 2026
  • 12 min read

One Pot Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya

  • June 17, 2026
  • 9 min read

Culver’s Is Testing a New Parmesan Burger

  • June 16, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Food Scientist’s Guide to a Better

  • June 16, 2026
  • 10 min read

Pork Belly Tacos

  • June 16, 2026
  • 10 min read

Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

  • June 16, 2026
  • 8 min read

The Lost Language of Regional American Food

  • June 15, 2026
  • 10 min read

Lemon Chicken Romano

  • June 15, 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

Blog
Daily Disher

Cold Stone Creamery Just Launched a Supergirl Collab — Including a Brand-New Ice Cream Flavor Nobody Saw Coming

Cold Stone Creations are famously indulgent, but you have more control than you might think. Ordering a “Like It” size (the smallest) instead of a “Love It” or “Gotta Have It” saves meaningful calories while delivering the full flavor experience — the mix-ins and ice cream taste exactly the same in a smaller portion. The Popcorn Supernova Shake is also a lighter-format option than the Creation if you’re watching your overall intake, since shakes tend to be less dense. If the Kettle Corn Ice Cream is available on its own without mix-ins, that’s the lowest-calorie way to try the new flavor.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Underrated Pleasure of Eating Alone

Research on mindful eating — the practice of eating with full attention to the sensory experience of the food — consistently demonstrates improvements in eating satisfaction, more accurate recognition of hunger and satiety signals, reduced tendency toward overeating, and greater enjoyment of food compared to distracted eating. The solo meal eaten without screens or competing activities is the natural context for mindful eating — making the deliberate choice to eat alone with full attention one of the most accessible and most evidence-supported practices for improving the quality of one’s relationship with food.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content