Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Name: Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups half-and-half; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

posted by Katya on Oct 23, 2023 (updated May 13, 2024) 1 comment »

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1 reviews

Craving a creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce? Super quick to make – just combine it with pasta, and it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner.

Love pumpkin recipes? Try our Pumpkin Sausage Pasta, Turkey Pumpkin Chili, Healthy Pumpkin Bread, or Pumpkin Sheet Cake.

pumpkin pasta sauce tossed with cooked pasta in a saute pan.

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Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
Additions
How to Make
Expert Tips
Pasta Pairings
How to Store
Recipe FAQs
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Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Why This Recipe Works

Delicious – The key ingredient, pumpkin, makes this a full meal that’s loaded with vitamins and nutrients – perfect for the whole family.
Generous – This recipe produces enough sauce for 12 ounces of dry pasta. Perfect for those family meals, like our Sausage Cacciatore.
Fall Flavors – It’s a great cozy and delicious recipe for vegetarian Thanksgiving dinners, similar to our smoked Gouda mac and cheese making it the perfect dish for fall – just like this Lentil Chili.

Ingredients

All the essentials for our easy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce should be available at your nearest grocery store:

Pumpkin Puree: We use simple canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling – it’s far too sweet.
Half-and-Half: Brings a nice creaminess. For those craving a richer flavor, whipping cream works, too.
Butter: Helps in sautéing the garlic and brings a rich, buttery undertone to the sauce.
Garlic: Try to use fresh minced garlic cloves for a more robust, aromatic flavor. If you’re in a bind, garlic powder is fine.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pumpkin.
Parsley: Use fresh chopped parsley. Dried parsley is fine, though it won’t have the same vibrant taste.
Nutmeg: Adds a bit of warmth and depth to the sauce.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Additions

Looking to add your own twist to this Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe? Check out these suggestions:

Veggies: Bell peppers and mushrooms are great choices. For a nutritious punch, toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Meat: For a heartier meal, throw in some cooked shredded chicken or ground pork.
Cinnamon: Add a pinch for that classic pumpkin spice flavor. It’ll make your dish taste like fall in a bowl.
Fresh Sage: Introduce a savory, earthly flavor to add a bit more depth to your sauce.
Spice: If you enjoy a spicy touch, add some red pepper flakes or a hint of cayenne for a bit of heat.

How to Make

Let’s get started with this comforting dish! Follow these simple steps to create this creamy pumpkin sauce:

Step 1: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

half and half and pumpkin puree in a skillet.

Step 2: Pour in the half-and-half, pumpkin puree, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper and gently heat to a simmer.

pumpkin sauce in a skillet with parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Whisk in the Parmesan gradually. Adjust seasoning, if needed.

fresh chopped parsley over pumpkin pasta sauce.

Step 4: Stir in fresh chopped parsley.

Expert Tips

Follow these expert tips for the best Pumpkin Pasta Sauce taste:

Oil Swap: When you’re looking to saute the garlic, avocado oil or olive oil are great alternatives to butter.
Smooth Melting: Grate your Parmesan cheese finely so it melts well. We use this trick in so many sauce recipes, including pasta sauce recipe with cream cheese.. A thicker shred can lead to clumpy sauce.
Perfect Pasta: Serving with pasta? Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta – nobody likes mushy noodles. Aim for that perfect al dente texture.
Sticky Trick: Reserve a bit of that pasta cooking water to add to the sauce. The starch in the water helps your sauce cling to the pasta.
Garnish Game: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top of the dish for a professional finish.

Pasta Pairings

For more of a pumpkin pasta recipe – we’ve listed our favorite pairings below. And don’t forget a bit of cheese popovers or a slice of crusty sourdough garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Macaroni: Think of this as your beloved Mac and Cheese, but with a satisfying pumpkin twist. Healthier and just as delicious.
Fettuccine: If you’re a fan of Fettuccine Alfredo, you’ll love this. Imagine that creamy texture but infused with a warm pumpkin flavor.
Penne: A universally loved pasta. The pumpkin sauce clings to penne perfectly, especially if you’re fond of dishes like Penne a la Vodka.
Spaghetti: The long, thin strands drenched in pumpkin sauce create a familiar dish. Ideal for those who crave the classics.
Farfalle: With its unique shape, this “bow tie” pasta is sure to be a hit with the kids.

How to Store

We all love a meal that gives us a bit more for later, right? Here’s how to store and reheat your scrumptious pumpkin sauce for pasta to keep it tasting fresh and creamy:

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll be good to enjoy for about 4-5 days.
Freezer: Although you can freeze pumpkin pasta sauce – it might alter the texture slightly upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze, store in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Reheat: When you’re ready to dive back in, reheat leftovers gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk for the sauce to regain its creaminess.

Recipe FAQs

Can you use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! To make your own pumpkin puree, simply roast pumpkin slices until soft, then blend them into a smooth puree, and don’t forget the seasoning.

Just note that homemade pumpkin puree tends to have a higher water content than canned. To fix this, let the sauce simmer a bit longer to evaporate the extra liquid. You can also thicken it with some pasta water or a touch of cornstarch.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Certainly! If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried ones can be a lifesaver. However, they have a more concentrated flavor, so use about a third of the recommended amount and adjust to taste.

What meat goes with pumpkin?

The flavor of pumpkin goes well with various meats. We think poultry, such as turkey and chicken, tops the list. Pork is good, too.

pumpkin cream sauce in a skillet with wooden spoon on the side.