Description
Craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor? This *Creamy Pumpkin Pasta* is the ultimate quick dinner idea, perfect for fall or anytime you’re after comforting food ideas that don’t take all night. Made with velvety pumpkin purée, a splash of cream, garlic, Parmesan, and pasta, it’s a healthy-ish, easy recipe that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, vegetarian meal, or new pasta recipe to impress guests, this dish hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 small shallot or 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté shallots/onions until soft (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree and cook for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined.
6. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
7. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Always use unsweetened pumpkin puree to avoid a sugary sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds the most flavor.
A touch of lemon juice can brighten the overall richness before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, creamy pumpkin pasta, healthy comfort food, fall dinner ideas