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 Ingredient That Divided Empires and United

  • June 8, 2026
  • 9 min read

Crockpot French Dip Sliders

  • June 8, 2026
  • 9 min read

Sonic’s Summer 2026 Menu Is Here —

  • June 7, 2026
  • 3 min read

Southern Banana Cobbler

  • June 7, 2026
  • 17 min read

Sunflower Seed & Date Protein Bites

  • June 7, 2026
  • 15 min read

Harissa Chicken & Roasted Cauliflower Grain Bowls

  • June 7, 2026
  • 15 min read

Brown Butter Peach Baked Oat Squares

  • June 7, 2026
  • 15 min read

The Forgotten History of the American Potluck

  • June 7, 2026
  • 10 min read

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

  • June 7, 2026
  • 8 min read

Aldi’s June 2026 Finds Are Here —

  • June 6, 2026
  • 4 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 Ingredient That Divided Empires and United Tables

Many of the spices that drove the historic spice trade contain bioactive compounds with well-documented health effects. Piperine in black pepper significantly enhances the bioavailability of other nutrients including curcumin from turmeric — which is why black pepper and turmeric appear together in traditional Ayurvedic preparations and in contemporary nutritional recommendations. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon has demonstrated effects on blood sugar regulation in multiple clinical studies. Eugenol in cloves has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that partially explain the historical use of cloves as a food preservative. The spices that people fought wars to control were, it turns out, genuinely valuable — in ways that extend beyond flavor.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

Crockpot French Dip Sliders

Beef chuck roast is a high-protein, iron-rich cut that becomes significantly leaner after the long slow cook, as much of the intramuscular fat renders into the cooking liquid. Skimming the au jus before serving removes excess fat while preserving all the deeply concentrated flavor—so you get the richness of a great French dip with a lighter, cleaner dipping sauce.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

Sonic’s Summer 2026 Menu Is Here — And It’s Going Tropical

The Red, White & Blue Slush Float at $2.50 is one of the most budget-friendly treat options at any drive-thru this summer — and at 20 ounces, it’s a reasonable portion for a hot day. If you’re ordering the Tropical Heat Smasher, the fresh lettuce and real pineapple in the glaze add some nutritional value to an otherwise indulgent burger. Pairing it with water rather than an additional slush keeps the overall meal more balanced, and opting for the two-patty version over the triple saves meaningful calories without sacrificing the flavor experience.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content