If you are craving something cozy, comforting, and packed with fall flavors, this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a luxuriously smooth pumpkin sauce, kissed by fragrant sage and a touch of tangy vinegar, then topped with crunchy nuts and bright spinach for freshness. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly nutty that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a pumpkin fan or new to incorporating it in savory dishes, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor yet easy to prepare. Each plays an essential role, from the silky pumpkin purée giving the sauce its creamy base to the fresh sage that adds an aromatic lift, ensuring your pasta feels both familiar and special.

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini): Choose your favorite long pasta to perfectly catch the creamy pumpkin sauce.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and is the perfect base for sautéing the garlic.
3 teaspoons minced garlic: Provides a savory depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient, delivering that velvety texture and subtle sweetness.
2 tablespoons milk: Helps mellow the sauce and keeps it luxuriously creamy.
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a gentle tang to balance the richness.
3/4 cup vegetable broth: Thins the sauce just enough to coat the pasta perfectly.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors within the dish.
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage): Infuses the sauce with an earthy, herbal note.
1/2 cup grated parmesan: Brings a nutty, salty finish that elevates the sauce.
2 cups spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild bitterness.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Provides a satisfying crunch and a toasty flavor.
2 tablespoons roasted pepitas: Offers extra texture and a subtle nutty punch.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This forms the foundation of the dish, so be careful not to overcook; you want it to hold its shape and have just the right bite to complement the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial because the garlic infuses the oil, creating a flavorful base for the pumpkin.

Step 3: Build the Pumpkin Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then add the pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Quickly whisk everything together to combine, and let it simmer gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly before the final touches.

Step 4: Add Sage and Parmesan

Whisk in the fresh or dried sage leaves along with the grated parmesan cheese. Turn off the heat but keep whisking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This gradual thickening step ensures your sauce becomes silky smooth and rich while preventing the cheese from clumping.

Step 5: Toss in Spinach and Pasta

Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce, letting it wilt gently from the residual warmth. Then, add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until each strand is coated in that velvety pumpkin goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

Top your creamy pumpkin pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you like. Finish with a few fresh sage leaves for that inviting aroma. Plate it up and get ready for a bowl of total comfort and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Adding texture through garnishes is what transforms this dish from good to unforgettable. Crunchy walnuts and roasted pepitas provide wonderful contrast to the silky sauce while extra parmesan adds a salty kiss. Fresh sage leaves not only make the dish look beautiful but also add a burst of herbal fragrance with each bite.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the richness. Consider a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, to keep the meal fresh and vibrant. A crusty piece of garlic bread is always a welcome addition too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the pasta in small pumpkin-shaped bowls or garnish with edible flowers alongside the sage. You could also swirl in a little extra olive oil and cracked black pepper right before serving to make the colors pop and the flavors shine even brighter. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after chilling, but keep in mind the sauce may thicken, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta, but it’s best to do so before adding the spinach to prevent it from turning mushy. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your creamy pumpkin pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This helps revive the creaminess without drying out the dish. Microwave reheating works too but be sure to stir midway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is the easiest and most convenient choice here. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

What type of pasta works best for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe?

Long pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguini works beautifully because their shape allows the creamy sauce to cling well. But feel free to experiment with penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand.

Is this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! It’s completely vegetarian as written, thanks to the vegetable broth and parmesan cheese. For a vegan version, substitute the parmesan with a plant-based cheese and make sure to use a vegan broth.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or even sautéed mushrooms make fantastic additions that elevate this pasta into a full meal. Add them right before tossing with the pasta to keep the textures balanced.

How spicy is the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe?

This recipe is mild and comforting with gentle seasoning from garlic, sage, and black pepper. If you enjoy a little heat, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step for a subtle kick.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a pasta dish that feels indulgent yet simple, and this Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the vibrant fall flavors melded into a comforting bowl of goodness. Once you make it, I promise it will become a cherished favorite to return to whenever you want to enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal.