Description

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner featuring rigatoni pasta tossed in a luscious one-pot pumpkin sauce made from pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, and a hint of nutmeg. This dish combines savory and slightly sweet flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for autumn or any time you crave cozy comfort food.

Ingredients

Pasta

1 pound rigatoni pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Saute Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute them until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce: Whisk together the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the pumpkin sauce to simmer gently over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked rigatoni into the simmering pumpkin sauce. Continue cooking together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta evenly.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer the creamy pumpkin pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or homemade pumpkin puree for fresher flavor.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper according to taste.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer the sauce a bit longer.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American