Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with a classic Alfredo sauce, creating a comforting and autumn-inspired dish perfect for cozy dinners. This easy-to-make pasta features a smooth pumpkin-infused cream sauce with warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, finished with Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh herbs and optional toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or sage, chopped for garnish
- Toasted pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and heated through, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley or sage, and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, autumn-inspired meal!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use fresh garlic and quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- To make the dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Toasted pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and seasonal touch, but they are optional.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Keywords: pumpkin pasta, creamy pasta, pumpkin Alfredo, fall recipes, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, autumn pasta dish
