Looking for a rich, comforting pasta dish? This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is the perfect blend of savory pumpkin puree, herbs, and a hint of spice. Ready in minutes, it’s the ultimate fall dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients Needed
- Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
- How to Make This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
- Recipe FAQs
- Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
- Serving Suggestions
- Connect with Me
When fall arrives, pumpkin becomes the star of the season, but did you know it’s also perfect in savory dishes? This pumpkin pasta sauce recipe is one of my favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin beyond desserts. Whether you’re new to cooking with pumpkin or looking for a way to switch up your pasta routine, this recipe is simple, comforting, and so versatile. I first tried it during a chilly autumn evening, and it quickly became a household favorite! The combination of creamy pumpkin, garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs is so irresistible.
Ingredients Needed
- canned pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
- garlic cloves, minced
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
- heavy cream for creaminess
- chicken broth for depth of flavor
- A handful of fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or rosemary)
- grated parmesan cheese for added richness
This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers bold flavor. You’ll love how the pumpkin’s natural sweetness is balanced by the sharpness of parmesan and the heat from the red pepper flakes.
Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
This recipe is easily customizable to fit your preferences:
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk to make a dairy-free pumpkin pasta sauce that still has a creamy texture.
- Vegan Pumpkin Pasta: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier sauce, or try using smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Herb Variations: While sage is the classic pairing with pumpkin, you can use thyme, rosemary, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance the autumn flavors.
My Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own parmesan for the best texture and flavor. It melts into the sauce beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesy note.
Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. A little goes a long way!
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, save a bit of the pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Don’t Overcook the Pumpkin: Since the canned pumpkin puree is already cooked, focus on warming it gently to preserve its natural sweetness.
How to Make This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
- Cook the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Incorporate the Herbs and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add your cooked pasta (reserving a bit of pasta water) and toss until everything is well coated. Use pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this pumpkin sauce up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze pumpkin pasta sauce?
Absolutely! Pumpkin pasta sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle, but you can use any pasta you have on hand. Short pasta shapes like rigatoni also work well.
Tips for Making Ahead, Leftovers, and Storage
- Making Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or pasta water to help loosen it up.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is hearty and flavorful enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for some extra crunch
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to enhance the fall flavors.
Connect with Me
For more delicious and easy recipes, follow me on Instagram and join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
This pumpkin pasta sauce is an easy, seasonal dish perfect for cozy dinners. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, savory sauce that tastes like autumn in every bite. Whether you keep it simple or add your own variations, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 15 oz canned pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- A handful of fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Incorporate the Herbs and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add your cooked pasta (reserving a bit of pasta water) and toss until everything is well coated. Use pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Notes
This creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is hearty and flavorful enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for some extra crunch
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to enhance the fall flavors.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to see! Tag @may.eighty.five on Instagram!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
