Name: Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8-12 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or your choice); 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved from cooking the pasta); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pie filling); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 6-8 fresh sage leaves (chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 37 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe. It takes the classic comforting flavors of Alfredo pasta and elevates them with the rich, velvety sweetness of pumpkin puree—creating a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. This recipe is not only indulgently creamy but also surprisingly simple to make, turning humble ingredients into a fall-inspired feast that will impress anyone you share it with. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly night or want to wow your friends with something unique yet comforting, this Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small orange cubes of squash scattered on a dark cooking surface, each cube coated in oil and sprinkled with black pepper and red chili flakes. Among the cubes are several green rosemary sprigs with needle-like leaves and a couple of large fuzzy sage leaves. The orange squash cubes have a slightly shiny texture, and the herbs add fresh green color. This mix looks ready to be roasted or cooked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each item playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors. From the pasta providing the perfect base to the fresh sage adding an aromatic lift, every element is essential and easy to find.

8-12 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or your choice): Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the creamy pumpkin sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pie filling): The star ingredient that adds creaminess and a gentle sweetness.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious texture that makes the Alfredo sauce melt in your mouth.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers the salty, nutty flavor that defines Alfredo sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A warm spice that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
6-8 fresh sage leaves (chopped): Infuses an earthy, herby aroma that elevates the dish.
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved): Helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly without diluting flavor.

How to Make Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente according to package directions—this is key to getting the right texture that won’t get swamped in sauce. Before draining, make sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water; this starchy liquid will be your secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm while you move to the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant—this will build a savory foundation for your sauce. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and cook it gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps intensify the pumpkin flavor while ensuring the puree is nicely warmed through and ready to mingle with the cream.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the mixture looks smooth and inviting, then bring it to a gentle simmer. This slow heating is critical because it thickens the sauce just right without scalding the cream, keeping everything silky. Take your time here; you want that perfect creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Seasoning

Now for the magic touch: sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. Follow with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance. Then, add the chopped fresh sage leaves and cook for another minute or two—this little herbaceous punch is what lifts this dish from simple to spectacular.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together so every piece is coated in that luscious creamy pumpkin sauce. If your sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time; this will loosen the sauce perfectly without watering down its rich flavors. Give it a few final stirs, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

The image shows a steaming pot of cooked fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce inside a shiny metal pan. The noodles are light yellow, soft, and coated with the sauce, resting in the center of the pan with tongs lifting a portion above the surface. The pan is placed on a thick wooden slice, and steam rises in soft curls against a dark blurred background, creating a warm and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese immediately adds a savory, melty richness on top that guests adore. Freshly cracked black pepper gives a little spicy contrast that brightens every bite. If you want to get fancy, scatter a few extra sage leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

This creamy pumpkin pasta pairs beautifully with crisp greens like arugula or spinach salads tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots bring out complementary sweetness and a pleasing textural contrast. For bread, a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls or on warm plates with a sprig of sage placed artfully on top. A light dusting of nutmeg or smoked paprika adds visual interest and a subtle flavor twist. If you want to impress your friends, try topping it off with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and a nutty note that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the sauce and pasta together to maintain flavor, but be aware the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, thickening the dish slightly.

Freezing

While the sauce freezes reasonably well, the texture of cooked pasta can change after freezing and reheating. If you want to freeze this dish, separate the sauce and pasta and freeze them in different containers. The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, while pasta is best eaten fresh or after refrigeration.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from separating. Microwaving works too but be careful to heat in short bursts and stir often for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, any pasta shape that can hold sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle, will work beautifully. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan with full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy note if needed.

How spicy is the Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe?

This dish is very mild in spice with just a hint of warmth from black pepper and nutmeg. You can easily adjust by adding crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, but it requires extra prep. Roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth before using it. Make sure it’s fully cooked and strained for the best silky sauce consistency.

What can I add to make this recipe more filling?

For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy pancetta. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans also add a wonderful crunch and extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about this Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe—a perfect blend of rich, smooth sauce and cozy seasonal flavors that never feel heavy. It’s a dish to make when you want to indulge yourself or share love through food. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!