Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Creamy pumpkin pasta with rich sauce, easy recipe with pumpkin puree. Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients for perfect fall comfort food.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, while wandering through a Vermont farmers market, the crisp autumn air carried the most incredible aroma.

However, it wasn’t the typical apple cider scent I expected. Instead, a small Italian vendor was serving steaming bowls of creamy pumpkin pasta that made my mouth water instantly.

That first bite transported me straight to pasta perfection. Moreover, the silky pumpkin puree created this velvety sauce that clung to every rigatoni ridge. Consequently, I knew I had to recreate this magic at home.

After testing this recipe fifteen times—yes, I definitely overcooked the pasta twice and made the sauce too thick once—I finally nailed the perfect balance.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or simply want to embrace autumn flavors, this creamy pumpkin pasta delivers every time. Furthermore, it transforms basic pantry ingredients into restaurant-quality results. Let’s dive into this cozy bowl of fall happiness that might just become your new seasonal obsession.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

About This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

This creamy pumpkin pasta stands out because it combines the earthiness of pumpkin puree with the richness of cream and sour cream. Additionally, the secret lies in simmering the sauce long enough to develop deep flavors while maintaining that silky texture.

What makes this recipe particularly special? First, it uses easily accessible ingredients from any American grocery store. Second, the cooking technique builds layers of flavor without complicated steps. Finally, the result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes just 30 minutes.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Shopping Tips for Best Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Results

When shopping for this easy recipe with pumpkin puree, look for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Additionally, Libby’s brand consistently delivers smooth texture and rich flavor. Meanwhile, fresh nutmeg makes a noticeable difference—look for whole nutmeg in the spice aisle.

For the pasta, choose rigatoni or penne because their ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, fusilli or shells work wonderfully too. Furthermore, full-fat sour cream creates the best texture, though Greek yogurt can substitute in a pinch.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Transform your creamy pumpkin puree recipe with these exciting additions:

• Protein boost: Add cooked Italian sausage or rotisserie chicken
• Vegetable medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Herb upgrade: Fresh sage leaves create an authentic Italian touch
• Cheese variations: Try Gruyère or fontina instead of Parmesan

Equipment and Step-by-Step Instructions

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, plus a large skillet or sauté pan for the sauce. Additionally, a good whisk ensures smooth sauce consistency. Meanwhile, a colander for draining pasta and measuring cups complete your setup.

Don’t have a large skillet? No problem! A Dutch oven works perfectly for both cooking pasta and making sauce. However, avoid nonstick pans because they don’t develop the same flavor depth.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Foundation

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, the water should taste like mild seawater—this seasons the pasta from within. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package directions minus one minute.

Pro tip: Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to pasta later. Moreover, slightly undercooking the pasta prevents mushiness when it finishes in the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In your large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it foams slightly. Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Watch carefully during this step because garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. If you smell toasty garlic, you’re on the right track. However, if it starts browning, reduce the heat immediately.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Pumpkin Base

Whisk in the pumpkin puree, creating a smooth mixture with the aromatics. Subsequently, slowly add chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. This technique ensures your creamy pumpkin pasta sauce stays silky smooth.

Common mistake I made: Adding all the broth at once creates a lumpy mess. Instead, add it gradually while whisking constantly. Furthermore, room temperature ingredients blend more easily than cold ones.

Step 4: Perfect the Sauce Consistency

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Next, stir in heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Additionally, taste and adjust seasoning—pumpkin absorbs salt, so don’t be afraid to add more. Meanwhile, if the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Then, let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some sauce. This final step creates the perfect creamy pumpkin pasta texture.

If the mixture seems dry, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for another minute or two.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in half the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Then, taste one final time and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, topped with remaining cheese and parsley.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations

Professional Techniques for Perfect Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Temperature control makes all the difference in this easy recipe with pumpkin puree. Moreover, keeping the sauce at a gentle simmer prevents curdling from the sour cream. Additionally, tossing pasta with sauce off the heat preserves the creamy texture.

Here’s what Julia Child taught us about cream sauces: never let them boil vigorously. Instead, maintain that gentle bubble that barely breaks the surface. Furthermore, finishing with cheese off the heat prevents graininess.

Regional and Seasonal Variations

New England Style: Add maple syrup and toasted pecans for autumn sweetness Southern Comfort: Incorporate crispy bacon and caramelized onions
California Fresh: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and microgreens Holiday Special: Include dried cranberries and orange zest Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or Italian sausage for heartier meals

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

Store leftover creamy pumpkin pasta in the refrigerator for up to four days. However, the sauce may thicken considerably. Therefore, when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the original consistency.

For make-ahead meals, prepare the sauce completely but cook pasta fresh. Meanwhile, the sauce actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This creamy pumpkin puree recipe pairs beautifully with simple green salads and crusty bread. Additionally, consider serving alongside our classic chili for a complete autumn feast. Furthermore, a light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the rich flavors perfectly.

For side dishes, try our green bean casserole or creamy vegetable soup to create a memorable fall dinner. Meanwhile, finish the meal with our raspberry crumble cookies for a sweet ending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Your New Fall Favorite

This creamy pumpkin pasta recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. Instead, it transforms humble pumpkin puree into something truly spectacular. Moreover, every forkful delivers that perfect balance of creamy richness and autumn warmth.

Remember that October afternoon at the Vermont farmers market? This recipe captures that exact same cozy feeling in your own kitchen. Furthermore, it’s become my go-to dish when I want to impress guests without spending hours cooking.

Try pairing this with our homemade chili seasoning mix sprinkled on top for extra warmth, or serve alongside a crisp white wine for elegant entertaining. Most importantly, don’t forget to share your creation—tag us on social media so we can see your beautiful bowls of autumn comfort!

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this easy recipe with pumpkin puree delivers every single time. After all, the best recipes are the ones that bring people together around the table, creating new memories one delicious bite at a time.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This creamy pumpkin pasta transforms basic pantry ingredients into restaurant-quality comfort food in just 30 minutes. Rich pumpkin puree combines with cream and sour cream to create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to rigatoni pasta, delivering the ultimate fall comfort meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Colander
• measuring cups

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, following package directions minus one minute. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
• In your large skillet, melt butter over medium heat until it foams slightly. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Whisk in the pumpkin puree, creating a smooth mixture with the aromatics. Slowly add chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the drained pasta to the simmering sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some sauce.
• Remove from heat and stir in half the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, topped with remaining cheese and parsley.

Notes

For best results, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The sauce may thicken when stored, so add a splash of milk when reheating. Try variations like adding Italian sausage, sage leaves, or roasted vegetables for different flavors.

Keyword autumn pasta, creamy pumpkin pasta, fall comfort food, pumpkin puree recipe