Pumpkin pasta sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce made with canned pumpkin puree, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. This easy recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and transforms ordinary pasta into a cozy, fall-inspired dish.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions & Variations
- Directions
- Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
- How to Store & Make Ahead
- Other Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
- Final Thoughts
- Connect with Me
I’ve been testing this pumpkin pasta sauce recipe for weeks because I wanted it to be more than just another creamy pumpkin pasta. Many versions I tried were either too sweet, too heavy, or lacked depth. I finally found the balance with fresh herbs, parmesan, and just enough cream to keep it silky without being overly rich.
The secret to my version? Infusing garlic in olive oil over medium heat for a delicate base, layering flavors with herbs like sage or thyme, and finishing it with plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s a recipe that feels decadent but comes together so easily—even on a weeknight.
Why I Love This Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
- It uses canned pumpkin puree, so it’s quick and convenient.
- The flavors are savory—not sweet—thanks to garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.
- It’s versatile—serve it with penne, spaghetti, ravioli, or even as a sauce for chicken.
- The sauce stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dinner option.
- This sauce is PERFECT in this Creamy Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a closer look at what makes this creamy pumpkin sauce shine:
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated): Freshly grated parmesan melts better and makes the sauce rich and nutty.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Use a quality extra virgin olive oil to infuse the garlic.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and fragrance—cook gently so it doesn’t burn.
Canned Pumpkin Puree (15 oz): Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce velvety smooth. Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Chicken Broth (¼ cup): Adds savory flavor and thins the sauce slightly. Use veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Balance and season the sauce to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): A gentle kick of heat—add more if you like it spicier.
Fresh Herbs (a handful of sage, thyme, or rosemary): Earthy herbs make this dish taste restaurant-quality.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it vegan: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan.
- Try it with butternut squash: Swap the pumpkin puree for roasted butternut squash purée.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or chickpeas.
- Use different pasta shapes: Short pasta like rigatoni or penne holds the sauce beautifully.
- Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrients.
Directions
- Cook the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Build the Sauce
Stir in canned pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Finish with Flavor
Add fresh herbs and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - Toss with Pasta
Add your cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly, adjusting consistency if needed. - Serve
Top with extra parmesan and herbs. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency without thinning out the flavor.
- Don’t rush the garlic step—low and slow is key for depth.
- Balance sweetness with salt and pepper, especially if your pumpkin puree tastes naturally sweet.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQ
Other Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
- The Best Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Easy Pumpkin and Lentil Soup
- Healthy Banana Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Walnut and Chocolate Chip Muffins
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin pasta sauce is cozy, rich, and a true celebration of fall flavors. This version has been tested to perfection. It’s balanced, creamy, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or entertaining. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to all season long.
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?
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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.
