Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the key ingredients that contribute to the richness and flavor of the Harvest Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce. Each component plays a significant role, not only in taste but also in the nutritional benefits they provide.

Embrace the flavors of autumn with this Harvest Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish transforms simple pasta into a cozy indulgence. Made with creamy pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, it captures the essence of fall. Learn about the key ingredients, from garlic to Parmesan cheese, and discover how to create a rich and velvety sauce. Elevate your meals with this comforting and nutritious recipe, ideal for gatherings or a quiet night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly made)

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried sage

½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick

12 ounces of pasta (your choice of fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

Fresh parsley or sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it releases its fragrant aroma.

Create the Sauce Base: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the pumpkin puree to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream, dried sage, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if you’re adding heat). Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, providing a stir every now and then until it's heated through and beautifully combined.

Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually introduce the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts and the sauce turns creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Directly add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy pumpkin sauce. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss the pasta, ensuring an even coating of the sauce throughout. Season this delightful mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Serve: Plate the creamy pumpkin pasta in generous servings. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sage leaves for a lovely presentation, and add extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Relish in this cozy and comforting autumn-inspired dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4