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Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 11 reviews

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining the rich creaminess of traditional Alfredo sauce with the warm, earthy notes of pumpkin and spices. This autumn-inspired pasta features tender fettuccine tossed in a luscious sauce made with pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, garnished with fresh herbs and optional toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or sage, chopped for garnish
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Pumpkin and Cream: Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with chopped parsley or sage, and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture if desired.
  7. Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your creamy, autumn-inspired meal!

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling to avoid added sugars and spices that could alter the taste.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they start to pop for enhanced crunch and flavor.
  • Fresh sage or parsley adds a fresh herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin alfredo, creamy pumpkin pasta, fall pasta recipe, pumpkin fettuccine, vegetarian pasta, autumn dinner ideas