If you’re looking for a savory, comforting dinner that feels like autumn in a bowl, Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is exactly what you need. This pasta dish delivers silky, velvety pumpkin sauce, perfectly al dente rigatoni, and just a hint of nutmeg and Parmesan to wrap it all together. It’s ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon coaxing out every cozy flavor. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta has a magical way of making weeknights special and can easily steal the show at any fall gathering.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how a handful of kitchen staples can come together for such irresistible results. These ingredients aren’t just convenient—they’re each key to the beautiful color, luscious texture, and layered flavors that make Creamy Pumpkin Pasta so unforgettable.

Rigatoni pasta: The shape is perfect for capturing that dreamy pumpkin sauce in every bite.

Onion: A small, finely chopped onion brings subtle sweetness and depth to the base.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and garlic for a luxurious flavor.
Pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure, unsweetened pumpkin for the best results—it’s what gives this pasta its creamy texture and gorgeous golden hue.

Chicken broth: Lends savory body to the sauce, but feel free to swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Heavy cream: Just a splash gives the sauce extra silkiness and a decadent finish.
Sour cream: Balances the richness with a subtle tang and helps the sauce stay ultra-creamy.

Nutmeg: Just a pinch creates warm, aromatic undertones that perfectly complement pumpkin.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of gentle heat and earthiness.

Fresh parsley: A burst of color and freshness right before serving—don’t skip it!
Parmesan cheese: Finishes the dish with a deliciously savory, salty kick.

How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—usually about 11 minutes. Be sure not to overcook, since the pasta will simmer more in the sauce later. Drain well and set aside; you want the pasta ready and waiting to soak up every drop of the pumpkin sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a big, deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and stir for about 4–5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, then add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until your kitchen smells irresistible. The buttery onion and garlic make a savory foundation for the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Lower the heat just a bit and whisk in the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, whisking until everything is velvety smooth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—small bubbles are perfect. Stir occasionally and allow the flavors to blend for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and take on a rich, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in the creamy pumpkin sauce. Let the pasta and sauce cook together over low heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring a few times. This extra simmer ensures the rigatoni absorbs plenty of sauce for maximum flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and plenty of Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve the Creamy Pumpkin Pasta right away, letting everyone add extra Parmesan if they like. The final sprinkle of fresh herbs and cheese makes your pasta look as vibrant as it tastes!

How to Serve Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishes bring a touch of restaurant flair and burst of color! Try a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, more minced parsley, or even crispy fried sage leaves for a classic autumn vibe. A grind of black pepper right before serving wakes up all the flavors in your Creamy Pumpkin Pasta.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. For an even cozier meal, serve alongside warm garlic bread or roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, to echo the fall flavors in your Creamy Pumpkin Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want an extra wow factor, serve Creamy Pumpkin Pasta in a hollowed-out roasted pumpkin or mini squash bowls for a show-stopping family table. Or, spoon it into individual ramekins, top with a little extra cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly finish. Guests will love the playful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Pumpkin Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken as it chills, but it’ll still be wonderfully creamy when reheated—just give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that the sauce might separate slightly—just stir it well, and it will come back together.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat, splashing in a bit of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving to revive that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Pumpkin Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a completely vegetarian dish that’s just as flavorful.

Will canned pumpkin work, or should I use fresh?

Canned pumpkin puree is perfect and incredibly convenient for this recipe. Just be sure you’re using unsweetened, pure pumpkin—avoid pie filling with added sugars and spices.

How can I make the sauce even richer?

If you’re after ultimate silkiness, you can stir in a little more heavy cream or even a pat of cream cheese at the end. Some people also love a splash of white wine in the sauce for depth.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Definitely! While rigatoni is great for catching sauce, any sturdy shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini works beautifully in this recipe.

Is Creamy Pumpkin Pasta kid-friendly?

Kids often love the mild, slightly sweet nature of pumpkin. If your little ones are skeptical, serve the sauce on the side first so they can try dipping before mixing everything together.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste your first forkful of Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, you might find it quickly becomes a go-to dinner favorite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share and enjoy with friends, especially on those nights when you crave something comforting and a little bit special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious autumn can taste!

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 19 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this savory and comforting Creamy Pumpkin Pasta. A delightful blend of pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and a touch of cream, this pasta dish is perfect for fall evenings or anytime you crave a cozy meal.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Saute Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic in butter over medium heat until soft.
Prepare the Pumpkin Sauce: Whisk together pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the pumpkin sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 443 kcal

Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 804mg
Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 67g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 14g

Cholesterol: 36mg

Keywords: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta, Pumpkin Pasta Recipe, Fall Pasta Dish