Name: The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini); 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 2 Tablespoons milk; 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 3/4 cup vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups spinach; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas

Jump to Recipe·4 from 33 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting dish with a twist this fall, you’ve just hit culinary gold. The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need to bring velvety pumpkin richness to your dinner table in a way that feels both decadent and fresh. This recipe delivers a creamy, savory sauce studded with fragrant sage and finished with crunchy walnuts and pepitas that make every bite an exciting adventure. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight — and trust me, once you try it, pumpkin pasta will become your new seasonal obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of yellow pasta noodles boiling in a black pot filled with lively, bubbling water. The noodles have a smooth texture and are partially submerged in the frothy, clear liquid, with bubbles of different sizes visibly bursting on the surface. The pot's dark edge contrasts with the light color of the pasta and the golden bubbles of the boiling water. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s creamy, herbaceous, and just a little nutty. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini): Your base for the sauce, choose your favorite long pasta for the best texture.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently cook the garlic without overpowering it.
3 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a touch of bite.
1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that provides creamy autumnal flavor and color.
2 Tablespoons milk: Lightens the pumpkin sauce for a silky finish.
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Brightens the sauce with a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of pumpkin.
3/4 cup vegetable broth: Adds savory umami that deepens the sauce without heaviness.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors and ties the sauce together.
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Provides necessary warmth and slight peppery notes.
3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage): Offers an earthy, herbal punch that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
1/2 cup grated parmesan: Gives richness and a savory, nutty contrast to the sauce.
2 cups spinach: Adds a lovely pop of color and fresh green flavor to brighten the dish.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Brings crunchy texture and pleasant earthiness.
2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas: A delicious, toasty crunch that finishes the plate beautifully.

How to Make The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This is key because the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce at the end.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just golden. This infuses the oil with great flavor and sets a strong foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Pumpkin Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Whisk everything together thoroughly so that the mixture is smooth and velvety before letting it simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes. This step brings the flavors together and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Add Sage and Parmesan

Whisk fresh sage leaves or dried sage into the simmering sauce, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. The sage adds an earthy note, while the parmesan lends creaminess and umami depth. Continue whisking as you let the sauce slightly thicken, turning off the heat and whisking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes for the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Pasta

Stir fresh spinach into the warm sauce—it will wilt down quickly, adding vibrant color and a mild freshness. Then, fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated with the pumpkin sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture to your desired texture.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Top off your pumpkin pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you like, and a few sage leaves for garnish. These toppings elevate each bite with delightful crunch and attractively round out the flavor profile.

How to Serve The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with a plate of creamy orange pasta, with thick, flat noodles twirled and layered evenly. Mixed throughout are wilted dark green spinach leaves adding contrast to the orange sauce. On top, there are scattered light brown chopped walnuts and green pumpkin seeds, adding texture. A few whole sage leaves rest on the surface, and a fine dusting of grated cheese covers parts of the pasta and nuts lightly. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan make simple, elegant garnishes that add aroma and flair to each plate. Consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, to bring out different layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a beet and fennel slaw also complement the autumnal theme wonderfully and add texture contrasts that keep the meal interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, nestle the pumpkin pasta into shallow bowls and create small piles of garnishes on top. Serve with rustic bread or dinner rolls to scoop up every bit of sauce. You could also add a drizzle of browned butter infused with sage for an ultra-luxe finish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great next-day meal. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze pumpkin pasta, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, especially the fresh spinach. If freezing, transfer to a sealed container and use within one month for best flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Stir frequently until warmed through for a silky finish.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is the easiest option, just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling that has added spices and sugar.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

To make The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe vegan, simply swap the parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, and use plant-based milk. The flavor remains wonderfully satisfying.

Can I substitute the pasta with gluten-free options?

Yes, gluten-free pasta varieties such as rice or chickpea-based noodles work wonderfully and won’t alter the sauce’s creamy texture.

What is the role of vinegar in the sauce?

The vinegar adds a subtle brightness that balances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and cuts through the richness, making the dish more lively and layered.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can make the pumpkin sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, warm it gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe that brings cozy autumn vibes right to your plate in under 30 minutes. Its creamy, slightly tangy sauce paired with fresh greens and crunchy nuts feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I hope you give this recipe a try and it becomes one of your fall favorites like it did for me!