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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe features tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious pumpkin sauce infused with garlic, sage, and warm spices, finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for autumn or any cozy night in.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta (or pasta of choice)

sauce & seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 sage leaves (minced, about 2 tablespoons)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced sage leaves and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the pumpkin purée, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Add Milk: Pour in the whole milk and stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  4. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the sauce clings to the pasta and achieves a glossy finish, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and make it silky.
  • Use whole milk for creaminess; substitute with a plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free variation.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • Fresh sage adds the best flavor, but dried sage can be used in a pinch.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/creamy-pumpkin-pasta-recipe/