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The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe


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4 from 33 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy and flavorful pumpkin pasta recipe is perfect for a cozy autumn meal. With a rich pumpkin purée sauce enhanced by garlic, sage, parmesan, and a hint of vinegar, it offers a deliciously unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. Topped with crunchy walnuts and roasted pepitas for texture, it’s a delightful vegetarian dish that can be made in about 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini)

Sauce

  • 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

Add-Ins & Toppings

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas


Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Garlic: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium, then add pumpkin purée, milk, vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan.
  4. Whisk & Simmer: Whisk the mixture quickly to combine and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add Sage & Parmesan: Whisk in fresh or dried sage leaves along with grated parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce.
  6. Whisk: Turn off the heat and continue whisking for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken gently.
  7. Add Spinach & Pasta: Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, then toss in the cooked pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  8. Add Toppings: Top the pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, extra parmesan if desired, and garnish with additional sage leaves.
  9. Enjoy: Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh sage for a more vibrant flavor, but dried sage is a good substitute.
  • For a creamier sauce, substitute regular milk with cream or plant-based milk alternatives.
  • The roasted pepitas and walnuts add a nice crunch; feel free to toast them lightly for extra flavor.
  • This recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan due to parmesan cheese; use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to make it vegan.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference and the saltiness of the broth and cheese.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired