Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This super-easy creamy pumpkin pasta makes a scrumptious family meal perfect for fall. It's the ideal comfort food, ready in 15 minutes and insanely delicious.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: creamy pumpkin pasta

Servings:

Calories: 407kcal

Author: Katia

Ingredients

9 oz (250 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli...)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
⅓ cup (120 ml) pasta water, plus more if needed
1 cup (220 grams) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin filling)
½ cup (110 grams) full-fat cream cheese
¼ cup (25 grams) grated parmesan, plus more to serve
½ teaspoon dried sage
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ - ½ teaspoon salt, to taste

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Right before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat and gently fry the garlic for 2-3 minutes until it smells fragrant. Careful not let the garlic burn.
Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water (save the remaining ½ cup for later), pumpkin puree, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, dried herbs, seasoning. Stir to combine for a couple of minutes until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning starting with ¼ teaspoon of salt, and add more if needed (that depends on salty pasta water)
Drain and add your pasta to the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, add more cooking water as needed for a smooth and creamy consistency.
Divide into bowls, and serve immediately with a drizzle of good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper (if you don't use chili flakes). Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition facts: the nutrition values are for one serving, and they are based on an online nutrition calculator. It’s an estimate only, and it should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my disclosure policies.

Nutrition