Rich and Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This comforting pasta dish combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with a smooth, creamy sauce that's perfect for cozy nights. It’s easy to make and sure to become a favorite fall meal in your home.

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TIME35 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1 sweet onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups pumpkin puree 1 cup vegetable broth 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ¼ teaspoon white pepper salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 pound tri-color rotini pasta 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking and stirring until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, half-and-half, chopped parsley, a pinch of nutmeg, white pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and nicely combined, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes.

02

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a serving bowl. Pour the pumpkin sauce over the pasta, give it a gentle toss, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistent texture.
- Toast the spices lightly in the pan before adding the sauce to bring out their aroma.
- Stir the sauce gently and cook on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with a smooth, creamy sauce. It’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy nights when you want something rich but easy to make. The balance of spices adds warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the pumpkin.

Serving ideas

Serve this pasta topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch. A side salad with a bright vinaigrette pairs well to cut through the richness. For a finishing touch, add a few fresh sage leaves fried in butter.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate when thawed.