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Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta | Quick Comfort in 20 Minutes

Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta served in a rustic bowl with fall décor

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Creamy Parmesan Pumpkin Pasta is the ultimate cozy dish for fall, offering a delightful blend of rich flavors in just 20 minutes. This easy-to-make recipe features a luscious pumpkin sauce made with simple pantry staples like canned pumpkin and heavy cream, creating a creamy texture that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni in a large pot of boiling water until al dente; drain.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic until translucent.

3. Stir in pumpkin puree and sauté for one minute before adding heavy cream.

4. Whisk to combine, then add seasonings: salt, pepper, sage, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

5. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes before mixing in Parmesan cheese until melted.

6. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated.

Notes

This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or Italian sausage for added protein.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.