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 Herb Garden That Changes How You

  • July 7, 2026
  • 11 min read

Corn Salsa

  • July 7, 2026
  • 10 min read

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

  • July 7, 2026
  • 9 min read

Subway Just Settled the Hot Dog Debate

  • July 6, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Sunday Cook: How One Day in

  • July 6, 2026
  • 9 min read

S’mores Charcuterie Board

  • July 6, 2026
  • 11 min read

Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk

  • July 6, 2026
  • 9 min read

Tombstone’s French Fry Crust Pizza Just Got

  • July 5, 2026
  • 3 min read

Pineapple Tajín Fruit & Cottage Cheese Cups

  • July 5, 2026
  • 15 min read

Coconut Curry Chickpea & Basmati Rice Bowls

  • July 5, 2026
  • 15 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 Herb Garden That Changes How You Cook

Fresh herbs are among the most nutrient-dense foods available relative to their volume — providing significant concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in the small quantities typically used in cooking. Fresh parsley, for example, contains more vitamin C per gram than most citrus fruits, along with significant amounts of vitamin K and folate. Fresh basil contains notable amounts of vitamin K, vitamin A, and the antioxidant compound eugenol. The regular addition of fresh herbs to finished dishes — made easier and more frequent by a kitchen herb garden — represents a meaningful nutritional contribution to any meal that includes them.

Read More »
Appetizers
Daily Disher

Corn Salsa

This salsa is entirely plant-based and nutrient-dense without a single unhealthy ingredient. Corn provides fiber and B vitamins, red bell pepper delivers more vitamin C than an orange, and jalapeño contains capsaicin which supports metabolism. At virtually zero calories per serving, it’s one of the most guilt-free ways to add big flavor to any dish.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder becomes significantly leaner after an eight-hour slow braise, as much of the intramuscular fat renders out into the cooking liquid. Skimming the fat before tossing the shredded pork back into the sauce removes a significant portion of the saturated fat while preserving all of the rich, deeply concentrated BBQ flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content