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Dinner

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This cozy pasta dish features a rich and velvety pumpkin sauce that tastes exactly like autumn in a bowl.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 17, 2026
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta when the weather starts to turn chilly. This pumpkin sauce is smooth, savory, and just lightly spiced, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how quickly the sauce comes together while the pasta boils. If you want a little extra crunch, try topping your plate with some toasted walnuts or crispy fried sage leaves.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute until it smells fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.

  5. 5

    Let the sauce simmer gently for about five minutes until it thickens slightly.

  6. 6

    Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

  7. 7

    Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the cooking water, and add the noodles directly into the skillet.

  8. 8

    Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, adding a splash of the pasta water if you need to thin the sauce out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  9. 9

    Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water to help bring back that creamy texture. This dish is excellent served alongside a simple green salad.

#pasta#pumpkin#dinner#vegetarian#fall recipes

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