Description
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a velvety, fall-forward comfort meal that blends pumpkin purée with garlic, cream, and parmesan into a sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. It’s quick, cozy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin purée
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in pumpkin purée and heavy cream, mixing until the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Sprinkle extra parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining; it helps adjust the sauce texture later.
Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
Nutmeg is optional but highly recommended—it enhances the warmth of the dish beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Fall
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy pumpkin pasta, fall pasta, pumpkin dinner