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

The Underrated Skill of Knowing When to

  • May 4, 2026
  • 8 min read

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

  • May 4, 2026
  • 8 min read

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snickers Pie

  • May 3, 2026
  • 18 min read

Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites

  • May 3, 2026
  • 13 min read

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowls

  • May 3, 2026
  • 14 min read

Strawberry Coconut Chia Smoothie Bowls

  • May 3, 2026
  • 12 min read

What Happens to Food When You Finally

  • May 3, 2026
  • 7 min read

Old Fashioned Swiss Steak

  • May 3, 2026
  • 8 min read

Smoked Ham & Cheese Croissant Casserole

  • May 2, 2026
  • 11 min read

How to Make Smash Burger Tacos at

  • May 2, 2026
  • 2 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

The Underrated Skill of Knowing When to Stop

Research on sensory-specific satiety — the phenomenon by which the pleasure of eating a particular flavor diminishes with continued exposure — suggests that simpler, less over-seasoned dishes may actually promote more mindful eating. Meals that aren’t overloaded with competing flavors and excessive seasoning allow the natural flavors of whole foods to register more fully, supporting better awareness of hunger and fullness cues and reducing the tendency to overeat in response to hyper-stimulating flavor combinations.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Creamy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Using thinly sliced lean beef cuts like sirloin or round keeps the protein high while moderating the fat content in this indulgent casserole. Loading the dish with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms adds vitamins C and B, fiber, and antioxidants—so there’s real nutritional value tucked underneath all that golden provolone.

Read More »
Desserts
Aurora Wright

No-Bake Peanut Butter Snickers Pie

Peanut butter provides plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium. While this pie is certainly indulgent, the peanuts and peanut butter contribute nutrition alongside the treat, including heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and satisfying protein. Enjoying rich desserts mindfully—savoring each bite and sharing with others—helps create positive food experiences and prevents the guilt that can lead to overindulgence.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content