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

Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocado Salsa

  • August 25, 2026
  • 11 min read

The Art of the Cheese Sauce: What

  • August 25, 2026
  • 10 min read

Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Rolls

  • August 25, 2026
  • 6 min read

Dutch Bros Just Launched Its 2026 Fall

  • August 24, 2026
  • 2 min read

Marshmallow Caramel Corn

  • August 24, 2026
  • 13 min read

The Mushroom Underground: What Fungi Can Do

  • August 24, 2026
  • 12 min read

Garlic Butter Beef Cheddar Rice

  • August 24, 2026
  • 6 min read

It’s National Cuban Sandwich Day — Here’s

  • August 23, 2026
  • 2 min read

Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters

  • August 23, 2026
  • 16 min read

Korean BBQ Beef & Pickled Veggie Rice

  • August 23, 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

Entrees
Amelia Grace

Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Sweet potatoes are among the most nutrient-dense vegetables available, rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Their natural sweetness means they caramelize beautifully without added sugar, and their fiber content provides sustained energy rather than a spike and crash. Paired with avocado’s heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and queso fresco’s calcium and protein, this is a genuinely nourishing meal that happens to taste indulgent.

Read More »
Blog
Daily Disher

The Art of the Cheese Sauce: What Makes It Extraordinary and What Makes It Break

Cheese is one of the most concentrated dietary sources of calcium available, with aged cheeses providing higher calcium concentrations per serving than fresh cheeses due to the concentration that occurs during aging. The fat in cheese significantly increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2 — with K2 in particular playing a critical role in directing calcium to bones rather than arteries. Research increasingly suggests that full-fat dairy consumption, including cheese, is associated with neutral or beneficial cardiovascular outcomes compared to low-fat dairy alternatives, partially rehabilitating cheese from the dietary villain status it acquired during the low-fat dietary era.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content