Name: The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, linguini); 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 3/4 cup vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 3-4 fresh sage leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage); 1/2 cup grated parmesan; 2 cups spinach; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 2 tablespoons roasted pepitas

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and just a little unexpected, you’re going to love The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe. This dish somehow strikes the perfect balance between comforting fall flavors and light, delicious pasta that you can enjoy any time of the year. I remember the first time I made this recipe — my kitchen smelled like a warm hug, and the sauce was so velvety I couldn’t stop going back for seconds. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my personal tips to make this pumpkin pasta truly unforgettable!

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy, Balanced Sauce: Pumpkin puree blends beautifully with garlic, sage, and parmesan creating a sauce that’s rich without being heavy.
Fresh and Crunchy Textures: Toasted walnuts and pepitas add the perfect crunch to contrast the silky pasta.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a dozen fancy ingredients to wow anyone at your dinner table.
Versatile and Easy: Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or add protein, it adapts easily to your pantry and taste buds.

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta, Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Parmesan, Cozy Pumpkin Pasta Dinner, Creamy Fall Pasta Recipe, Easy Pumpkin Pasta - The dish shows a white bowl filled with noodles coated in an orange sauce, giving a creamy look. The noodles are twisted and piled in layers, mixed with dark green leafy pieces that add color contrast. On top, there are scattered light brown walnut pieces and green pumpkin seeds, along with a sprinkle of white grated cheese for texture. Several fresh green leaves are placed on the surface, enhancing the natural appeal. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is all about harmony. Each ingredient plays a role to deliver a creamy, flavorful pasta that feels indulgent but isn’t over the top. When shopping, I always try to grab fresh sage and opt for a pumpkin purée without added spices so I can control the seasoning perfectly.

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta, Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Parmesan, Cozy Pumpkin Pasta Dinner, Creamy Fall Pasta Recipe, Easy Pumpkin Pasta - Flat lay of bright orange pumpkin purée in a smooth dollop, fresh vibrant green spinach leaves scattered naturally, whole sage leaves with their soft fuzzy texture and muted green color, a small pile of chopped light brown walnuts with rough edges, glossy dark green roasted pepitas clustered together, peeled garlic cloves showing their creamy white surface, a handful of pale yellow grated parmesan shreds lying loosely, and dried sage powder sprinkled subtly, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Pasta: I use fettuccine or linguini because their flat surfaces trap the sauce wonderfully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently sauté the garlic without burning it.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an aromatic base that wakes up the sauce.
Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient — choose pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for true savory flavor.
Milk: A splash of milk rounds out the sauce and makes it smoother without heaviness.
White wine vinegar: Just a bit of acidity brightens the rich sauce and balances sweetness.
Vegetable broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce to perfect consistency.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, but I recommend adjusting to your taste as the pumpkin can mask saltiness.
Fresh sage leaves: Their earthy, piney aroma pairs beautifully with pumpkin; dried works too if fresh isn’t available.
Parmesan: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that brings the sauce together.
Spinach: Adds freshness and color — stir it in just enough to wilt it without overcooking.
Chopped walnuts and roasted pepitas: They add that irresistible crunch and a nutty contrast in every bite.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often tweak the herbs or nuts depending on what I have at home, and I encourage you to play around with it too!

Variation: Adding a bit of crispy pancetta or bacon gives a smoky kick that some of my friends swear by.
Dairy-free: Swap milk for a creamy plant-based option and parmesan for nutritional yeast to keep it vegan.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, toss in red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté.
Greens swap: Kale or arugula work great if you want a pepperier bite instead of spinach.

Step-by-Step: How I Make The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente — usually about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. I always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case I want to loosen the sauce later. Drain and set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic. Stir it frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt — burnt garlic will add bitterness, so keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Combine Pumpkin and Liquids

Turn the heat down to medium, then add pumpkin purée, milk, white wine vinegar, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together briskly, then let it simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes. This step is when the sauce begins to thicken and deepen in flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce with Sage and Parmesan

Whisk in fresh or dried sage and parmesan cheese. Turn off the heat but keep whisking for 2-3 minutes to help the sauce thicken just perfectly. This is a crucial step — whisking off the heat prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky finish.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Toss Pasta

Stir in the fresh spinach until it’s just wilted, then add the cooked pasta straight into the sauce. Toss everything together so all those noodles soak up the pumpkin goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your pumpkin pasta with chopped walnuts, roasted pepitas, extra parmesan, and a sprig of sage if you want to get fancy. Serve immediately and watch everyone at the table smile — pumpkin pasta magic!

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Pro Tips for Making The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

Use Fresh Sage: Fresh sage makes a huge difference in aroma and flavor; if using dried, add it earlier to infuse the sauce gently.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce’s delicate balance, so keep stirring and watch closely.
Whisk Off Heat: After adding parmesan, whisk the sauce off the heat to keep it smooth and creamy.
Reserve Pasta Water: If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can loosen it without losing flavor.

How to Serve The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

The BEST Pumpkin Pasta, Pumpkin Pasta with Sage and Parmesan, Cozy Pumpkin Pasta Dinner, Creamy Fall Pasta Recipe, Easy Pumpkin Pasta - This image shows a white bowl filled with three layers of thick, yellowish pasta noodles coated in a creamy orange sauce. On top of the pasta are scattered pieces of green wilted spinach, small brown walnut chunks, green pumpkin seeds, and a light sprinkling of grated cheese. Bright green fresh sage leaves are placed as garnish, adding a touch of freshness and texture. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, with the close-up showing the creamy texture of the sauce and detailed toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually go simple here: more parmesan, toasted walnuts, and pepitas provide a crackly texture and boost the nutty notes. A few fresh sage leaves on top make it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a warm butternut squash soup alongside also complement the pumpkin flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy date night, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls and topping with edible flowers or microgreens. If you’re serving guests, arrange in individual ramekins sprinkled with crushed red pepper and chopped nuts for a rustic yet elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the pumpkin pasta cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-5 days, but I warn you — it rarely lasts that long in my house! Adding a bit of fresh spinach when reheating freshens it back up.

Freezing

Freezing works if you want to prep meals ahead. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Just note that the texture of the spinach might soften a bit, so I recommend adding fresh greens when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwaving is okay but stirring halfway through helps keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin purée because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of this savory pasta. Pure pumpkin gives you better control over seasoning and keeps the sauce balanced.
What pasta types work best for The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe?

Flat pasta like fettuccine or linguini works beautifully to hold the sauce, but spaghetti or even a short pasta like penne can also be delicious if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative, and swap regular milk for any plant-based milk. The rest of the recipe stays the same.
How long does The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is wonderfully quick — you can have it ready in about 30 minutes with just 5 minutes prep and about 25 minutes cooking time, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin pasta holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a simple meal that never feels basic. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a new way to enjoy pumpkin beyond pie, The BEST Pumpkin Pasta Recipe brings the kind of comfort that fills your belly and your heart. So trust me—grab those ingredients and give it a go, you’ll be so glad you did!