Print

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is a cozy, autumn-inspired twist on classic pasta sauces. It’s silky, flavorful, and made with pumpkin purée, garlic, broth, and a touch of cream—perfect for quick, comforting weeknight meals.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Weeknight Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, linguine, etc.)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh sage or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in pumpkin purée, broth, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked sausage for a heartier dish.
  • Use coconut milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds heat and depth.
  • Store the sauce separately for make-ahead meals or freezing.
  • Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/creamy-pumpkin-pasta-sauce/