I’m so excited to share my Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe with you! This isn’t just pasta — it’s a cozy, creamy bowl of fall comfort. Imagine warm noodles tossed in a silky pumpkin sauce with hints of sage, garlic, parmesan, and a little crunch from walnuts and pepitas. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American / Italian
I still remember the first time I made this creamy pumpkin pasta — my kitchen smelled like fall, and my family couldn’t get enough. The sauce is rich and velvety but still light, thanks to real pumpkin purée, fresh sage, and a splash of white wine vinegar to brighten everything up. Parmesan adds a touch of creaminess, and spinach sneaks in extra nutrition without overpowering the dish.
This recipe is quick enough for a busy night but flavorful enough to serve guests. We’ll cook the pasta, whip up a creamy pumpkin sauce, toss it all together, and finish it with crunchy toppings for texture. It’s simple, wholesome, and absolutely delicious.
Description
This dish combines all the flavors of fall with the comforting creaminess of pasta. Here’s what you can expect in every bite:
- Warm pasta coated in a creamy, pumpkin-based sauce
- Fresh sage and garlic for a fragrant, savory punch
- Grated parmesan cheese to add creaminess and flavor
- Fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition
- Crunchy walnuts and roasted pepitas for texture and healthy fats
It’s a vegetarian-friendly recipe that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl — and it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (or any pasta you like)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (fresh is best)
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 2 Tablespoons milk (regular or unsweetened almond/cashew milk)
- 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¾ cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3–4 leaves fresh sage (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package directions (usually 10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, start on the sauce.
- Make the Pumpkin Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add Sage and Parmesan
- Add the fresh sage and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes more so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the spinach until it just wilts.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until every noodle is coated in creamy pumpkin goodness.
- Top and Serve
- Divide into bowls and top with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, and extra parmesan if you like.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve warm.
Process Details
- Building the Sauce: Cooking garlic first builds a flavorful base. Whisking the pumpkin with milk, vinegar, and broth makes it silky and smooth.
- Balancing Flavors: Sage and parmesan bring warmth and richness, while the vinegar brightens the sauce so it’s not heavy.
- Finishing Touch: Adding spinach at the end keeps it fresh and vibrant, while walnuts and pepitas give a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well.
- Fresh Sage is Best: It gives the sauce that irresistible earthy aroma.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: Just a little white wine vinegar balances the creamy pumpkin sauce perfectly.
- Make it Your Own: Add grilled chicken, crispy chickpeas, or burrata on top for extra protein or creaminess.
Serving Ideas
- Cozy Night In: Pair with crusty bread and a simple green salad.
- Family Dinner: Serve with roasted chicken or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Fall Gathering: Double the recipe and serve it in a big bowl topped with burrata for a showstopper.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: ~468
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 398mg
- Sugar: 3g
My Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a fall-inspired dinner — creamy, cozy, and comforting while still feeling fresh and light. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta dish packed with real pumpkin flavor, fresh sage, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts and pepitas.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become one of your go-to weeknight favorites this season.
