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

Papa Johns Is Bringing Pizza Planet to

  • May 31, 2026
  • 4 min read

Lemon Tahini White Bean Bites

  • May 31, 2026
  • 15 min read

Chimichurri Steak & Roasted Pepper Rice Bowls

  • May 31, 2026
  • 15 min read

Maple Cardamom Baked Protein Oat Cups

  • May 31, 2026
  • 14 min read

The Quiet Confidence of the Cook Who

  • May 31, 2026
  • 9 min read

Mushroom Ravioli with Spinach

  • May 31, 2026
  • 8 min read

KFC Is Offering Five Chicken Tenders for

  • May 30, 2026
  • 2 min read

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

  • May 30, 2026
  • 12 min read

Baked Feta Pasta: How to Make the

  • May 30, 2026
  • 3 min read

The Art of the Leftover: Why the

  • May 30, 2026
  • 9 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

Papa Johns Is Bringing Pizza Planet to Life With Three New Toy Story 5 Personal Pizzas

Personal pizzas are a naturally portion-controlled option compared to ordering a large and estimating slices — you get the full pizza experience without the temptation to keep going. Of the three Toy Story 5 options, the Sheriff’s Round Up with grilled chicken is the leanest protein choice, and the banana peppers on the Reach for the Pie add a punch of flavor with minimal calories. Skipping the dipping sauce or using it sparingly keeps sodium in check without losing the experience.

Read More »
Meal Prep
Benjamin Brown

Lemon Tahini White Bean Bites

White beans and tahini together form a nutritionally complete plant-based protein pairing—the beans contribute the amino acids that sesame is lower in, while the tahini contributes the ones that beans lack. Combined in a single bite-sized preparation, they deliver complete protein, soluble fiber, and calcium in a snack that nourishes as efficiently as it tastes.

Read More »
Entrees
Amelia Grace

Chimichurri Steak & Roasted Pepper Rice Bowls

Parsley—the generous heart of a good chimichurri—is far more than a garnish. It’s one of the most vitamin K-rich foods available, alongside meaningful amounts of vitamin C, iron, and folate. Used in the generous quantities that chimichurri demands, it contributes real nutritional depth alongside the flavor that makes this sauce so irresistible.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content