If you’ve been searching for a cozy, creamy, and utterly satisfying fall dish, your quest ends here with The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe. This divine blend of tender pasta swirled in a luscious pumpkin sauce, kissed with garlic and sage, then topped with crunchy nuts and fresh spinach, is a celebration of autumn flavors in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for guests, making it a new favorite that’s sure to warm your heart and your belly.

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is like assembling a team of simple yet superstar components that each bring something unique to the plate. From the earthiness of pumpkin purée to the tang of vinegar and the rich nuttiness of parmesan and pepitas, every element plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, flavorful sauce with wonderful texture and color.

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the sauce beautifully.

1/4 cup olive oil: For a silky base that carries the garlic and pumpkin flavors effortlessly.
3 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth to the sauce.

1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its creamy texture and vibrant autumn feel.
2 Tablespoons milk: Smooths the sauce and keeps it light but creamy.

1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
3/4 cup vegetable broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce nice and saucy.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.

1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste): Adds just the right bite for complexity.
3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage): Brings a herby, traditional note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
1/2 cup grated parmesan: For a nutty, melty richness that completes the sauce.

2 cups spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green contrast to the pumpkin’s golden hue.
1/4 cup chopped walnuts: Introduces a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
2 Tablespoons roasted pepitas: A finishing touch of nutty crispness and visual appeal.

How to Make The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta—whether it’s fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguini—according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures that every strand will hold the sauce perfectly without getting soggy.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the oil with that signature garlicky goodness that will make the entire sauce sing.

Step 3: Combine Pumpkin and Liquids

Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together immediately to blend the flavors and create a smooth sauce base that’s rich but light.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Let the mixture simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking time allows the pumpkin to meld with the broth and seasonings, softening the acidity from the vinegar and mellowing the flavors into a creamy, comforting sauce.

Step 5: Add Sage and Parmesan

Whisk in the fresh sage leaves (or dried sage) and grated parmesan. The sage adds that earthy, herbal punch that’s classic in pumpkin dishes, and the parmesan brings a salty, nutty meltiness that deepens the complexity of the sauce.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Turn off the heat and keep whisking for 2-3 minutes. This final whisking thickens the sauce just slightly and gives it an incredibly smooth, velvety finish that will cling beautifully to your pasta.

Step 7: Toss in Spinach and Pasta

Stir fresh spinach into the warm sauce, allowing it to wilt just a bit, adding vibrant color and subtle earthiness. Then, fold in the drained pasta, ensuring every strand or piece is lavishly coated with that dreamy pumpkin sauce.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Toppings

Top your plated pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, a sprinkle of extra parmesan if you like, and garnish with a sage leaf for that elegant touch. These finishing touches introduce delightful textures and flavors that elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

How to Serve The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To really capture the essence of The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe, don’t skip the garnishes. The crunchy walnuts and pepitas add texture that contrasts the creamy sauce, while fresh sage leaves provide an aromatic herbal hit that ties all the flavors together visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp autumn salad featuring apples and toasted pecans, or a simple roasted vegetable medley that echoes the warm, seasonal vibes of pumpkin. A crusty garlic bread also makes an excellent side for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in rustic bowls with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a touch of heat. For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions with a sage sprig resting atop and a small side of toasted pumpkin seeds artfully scattered to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

While pumpkin pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it by placing the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with extra liquid to refresh the texture.

Reheating

Reheat The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and adding a little milk or broth to restore that creamy consistency. This careful reheating keeps the sauce smooth and avoids drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is typically the easiest and most consistent choice. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugar.

What if I don’t have fresh sage?

You can substitute with dried sage in smaller amounts—about half a teaspoon should do the trick. It won’t be as vibrant as fresh, but it still imparts that classic sage flavor that pairs so well with pumpkin.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, simply swap the parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast, and ensure your pasta does not contain eggs. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious without dairy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of traditional wheat varieties, and the sauce will taste just as wonderful.

How spicy is this dish?

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is naturally mild and comforting, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want to bring a little heat to balance the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you give The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe a try this season. It’s a beautiful way to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegant simplicity to your table, whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin all year long!

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and savory pumpkin pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin purée, garlic, sage, and parmesan for a comforting and delicious fall-inspired meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish features a smooth pumpkin sauce enhanced with fresh spinach, crunchy walnuts, and roasted pepitas for added texture and nutrition.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed for sauce consistency.

Cook Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium and add pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the pan with garlic. Stir to combine.
Whisk & Simmer: Whisk the mixture quickly to create a smooth sauce and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.

Add Sage & Parmesan: Stir in the fresh or dried sage and grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to incorporate them evenly into the sauce.
Whisk: Turn off the heat and continue whisking the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit more to a creamy consistency.
Add Spinach & Pasta: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted. Then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat thoroughly with the pumpkin sauce.

Add Toppings: Transfer the pasta to serving dishes and top with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, additional parmesan if desired, and garnish with sage leaves for extra flavor and crunch.
Enjoy! Serve immediately while warm and enjoy a delicious and comforting pumpkin pasta dish perfect for fall or any time of the year.

Notes

Use fresh sage for the best flavor, but dried sage works well if fresh is unavailable.

Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick.
For a creamier sauce, substitute whole milk or add a splash of cream instead of milk.
To make this recipe vegan, replace parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative and use plant-based milk.

Walnuts and pepitas add a pleasant crunch; feel free to omit or substitute with other nuts or seeds as preferred.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 380 kcal

Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 16 g

Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 12 g

Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: pumpkin pasta, fall recipe, vegetarian pasta, creamy pumpkin sauce, pumpkin dinner, easy pasta recipe