Description
This Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta offers a delightful twist on classic Alfredo by incorporating rich pumpkin puree and fragrant sage. Creamy, smooth, and full of comforting flavors, this 30-minute recipe serves 6 and is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive fall meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8-12 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the 15 ounces of pumpkin puree to the skillet with garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture heats through evenly.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until the sauce is smooth. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines thoroughly. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add Sage: Stir in the chopped fresh sage leaves and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sage releases its aroma and flavors the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand with the creamy pumpkin sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until the texture is creamy and smooth but not runny.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates immediately. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional fresh herbs if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use starchy pasta water to help loosen and enrich the sauce.
- Do not use pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor.
- Fresh sage leaves add the best flavor, but dried sage can be substituted with less quantity.
- Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but the texture may be less creamy.
- Make sure to toss the pasta immediately with the sauce to avoid it drying out.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
