Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of autumn with our delightful Pumpkin Pasta recipe. As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp edge, there's no better way to savor the season than with a plate of creamy goodness that combines the earthy essence of pumpkin with the savory allure of pasta. This culinary masterpiece effortlessly marries the velvety touch of pumpkin puree, the lusciousness of cream, and the nutty depth of Parmesan cheese.
Fall pasta dishes
What could be better than creamy pasta for dinner? Creamy pasta that contains pumpkin! Obviously.
Now, I can continue the theme of orange dishes on the blog forever, because I just love it. However, this time around, a simple pasta sauce gets a pumpkin upgrade and creates the ultimate taste explosion, YUM.
How do you make Alfredo more interesting?
Alfredo sauce is an Italian classic everyone loves. Originally the recipe only calls for butter and parmesan cheese. Over the years though, the recipe evolved and cream was added. Now I choose to add pumpkin puree and spices to make it special for the fall season!
Because of the cream butter and cheese, the dish is pretty heavy and you can choose to lighten the meal with a nice, crisp salad.
Pumpkin alfredo sauce
Usually the Alfredo sauce is served with fettuccine pasta because it can hold the sauce better since it's wider and has more surface. I used spaghetti and it was fine. The sauce didn’t stay on the plate so I think you can use any pasta shape you like. Just try and see what works for you.
To garnish the dish, I used chopped chives but you don’t need to garnish the dish if you prefer not to. Or you can use another herb that you like and think can fit the dish.
I used half a box of pasta because I only made it for me and my husband. Therefore, the recipe yields 2 dishes. If you need more, simply double the ingredients.
FAQS
You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, which is readily available in most grocery stores. Make sure it's 100% pure pumpkin without any added spices or sugar. Alternatively, you can make your own pumpkin puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
Absolutely! You can choose your favorite type, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Different pasta shapes will result in slightly different textures and sauce adhesion, so feel free to experiment.
Nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. However, if you're not a fan of nutmeg or don't have it on hand, you can omit it without completely compromising the dish.
Yes, you can use alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish. Keep in mind that the sauce might be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious.
The recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, you can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Use plant-based cream (like coconut cream or almond milk) and vegan Parmesan cheese.
The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it over low heat to prevent curdling.
While pumpkin pasta sauce can be frozen, keep in mind that dairy-based sauces can sometimes change in texture when thawed and reheated. It's best to freeze the sauce without the pasta, and when you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop.
he recipe suggests garnishing with a small bundle of chives, which adds a fresh and mild onion flavor. You can also get creative and use other fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or thyme to enhance the presentation and taste of the dish.
Other dinner recipes to try:
If you have extra pumpkin puree and are wondering how to use it, check out my pumpkin spice latte recipe, pumpkin loaf cake recipe or my pumpkin smoothie bowl recipe. For other pumpkin recipes check out my pumpkin recipe index.
Make this pumpkin pasta dish today!
This recipe invites you to create a culinary masterpiece that's both easy to prepare and intensely satisfying. So, let your kitchen become your canvas as you follow my step-by-step guide to crafting this culinary delight. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pumpkin pasta creation promises to enchant your taste buds and warm your heart. Get ready to fall in love with autumn, one bite at a time.
Pumpkin Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ pound (250 grams) pasta
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon butter
For garnish:
- Small bundle of chive
Instructions
- In a pan, sauté the garlic with butter for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cream, pumpkin puree and spices and cook for 5 minutes on high.
- Add the parmesan cheese and continue cooking until it melts and the sauce is unified.
- Keep cooking the sauce on low to keep it warm.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta by the instructions on the box.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce.
- Mix well.
- Garnish with cut chives and serve.
- Dig in and enjoy!
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