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

What a Chef Learns in the First

  • May 7, 2026
  • 8 min read

Spicy Firecracker Hot Dogs

  • May 7, 2026
  • 8 min read

Check Your Pantry: Utz Is Recalling 9

  • May 6, 2026
  • 3 min read

Maple Bourbon Glazed Short Ribs

  • May 6, 2026
  • 12 min read

The Dinner Party Mistakes Even Good Home

  • May 6, 2026
  • 8 min read

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Bake

  • May 6, 2026
  • 8 min read

Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday Fall

  • May 5, 2026
  • 3 min read

Smoky Brisket Tacos

  • May 5, 2026
  • 10 min read

Why Cooking From Memory Is the Real

  • May 5, 2026
  • 7 min read

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

  • May 5, 2026
  • 7 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

What a Chef Learns in the First Year That Takes a Home Cook a Decade

Studies on skill acquisition and habit formation consistently show that deliberate practice — defined as repetition with specific attention to feedback and adjustment — produces skill development significantly faster than unstructured repetition alone. Applied to cooking, this means that a home cook who practices a technique with conscious attention to what is and isn’t working will develop culinary skill measurably faster than one who cooks frequently but without this quality of engagement — making the mindset of practice as important as the frequency of cooking.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Spicy Firecracker Hot Dogs

Fresh jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound linked to boosted metabolism and anti-inflammatory benefits—so the heat in these hot dogs is actually working in your favor. Opting for uncured, nitrate-free hot dogs is an easy way to make this cookout favorite a little cleaner without changing a thing about the flavor.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Check Your Pantry: Utz Is Recalling 9 Potato Chip Products Over Salmonella Concerns

Supply chain recalls like this one are a good reminder that even shelf-stable snacks can be affected by ingredient-level contamination issues. Signing up for FDA recall alerts at FDA.gov takes just a minute and delivers notifications directly to your inbox when products you may have at home are flagged. It’s one of the easiest proactive steps you can take to protect your household — especially for frequently purchased pantry and snack items.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content