Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta for Fall Evenings

Pumpkin is for every time of year!  This Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is one of our favorite ways to bring the flavor into a simple weeknight dinner. It is rich, velvety, and just the right amount of cozy without being heavy.

We first started making pumpkin alfredo because it felt like a fun twist on classic pasta.  Now we look forward to it all year. The pumpkin adds a natural creaminess that blends beautifully with the Parmesan and garlic and creates a sauce that feels decadent but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. It comes together in one skillet which is always a bonus for busy fall evenings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and lightly sweet pumpkin flavor.

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes.

• Perfect for fall: Warm spices and pumpkin make it seasonal and cozy.

• Family friendly: A great introduction to pumpkin for picky eaters.

• One-pan sauce: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients.

• Endless add-ins: Mix in chicken, spinach, sausage, or turkey leftovers.

Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend meal, this pasta always feels special.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

The magic of this dish comes from how a few simple ingredients transform into a silky, comforting sauce. Pumpkin puree gives the alfredo its signature warmth and color, while heavy cream and Parmesan create that classic smooth texture everyone loves. We often add a pinch of nutmeg which brings out the pumpkin flavor without being overpowering.

You can use any pasta shape you love. Fettuccine feels luxurious, while penne or rigatoni catch the sauce beautifully. If you want to make the dish heartier, just stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or Italian chicken sausage. Pumpkin pairs wonderfully with all three.

If you have fresh sage on hand, chop a little for the top. Sage and pumpkin are a perfect match and bring an extra layer of fall flavor.

Tips for Creamy, Silky Pumpkin Alfredo

A few small tricks make this pasta extra delicious.

• Reserve pasta water: A little starchy water blends perfectly into the sauce if it needs thinning.

• Simmer gently: Let the sauce bubble softly so it thickens without becoming too heavy.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and gives the best flavor.

• Taste as you go: Pumpkin is mild, so small adjustments in salt or pepper make a big difference.

• Finish with herbs: Fresh sage or parsley adds a bright touch.

Leftovers warm up beautifully with a splash of broth or cream and make this a great meal for prepping ahead.

Equipment

• Large skillet – Make the pumpkin alfredo sauce

• Large pot – Cook the pasta

• Wooden spoon – Stir the sauce

Other Recipes to Try

If you enjoy this pasta, here are more cozy fall and pasta-inspired recipes from Sisters Know Best and Keto Recipe Collection:

• Roast Pumpkin Seeds –  A crunchy fall favorite that shows you how to make perfectly seasoned roasted pumpkin seeds at home.
• Healthy Pumpkin Brownies –Moist, chocolatey brownies with a healthy twist thanks to creamy pumpkin puree.
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe – Soft pumpkin cookies sandwiched with sweet cream filling for a classic fall treat.
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Capers – A keto-friendly creamy chicken alfredo that adds a bright, tangy kick from capers.

Each one brings seasonal flavors or creamy comfort, depending on what you are craving.

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall with a satisfying and comforting meal. It is simple enough for busy evenings yet flavorful enough to feel like something special. We love how versatile it is too. Add your favorite protein, stir in some greens, or keep it classic and cozy.

However you serve it, this pasta is sure to become a favorite during the colder months. Make a big bowl, top it with extra Parmesan, and enjoy the warm, familiar flavors of autumn.

Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

A rich and velvety pasta dish made with creamy pumpkin alfredo sauce, warm spices, and Parmesan cheese for the perfect cozy fall meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

• Large Skillet To make the pumpkin alfredo sauce
• Large pot For boiling the pasta
• Colander To strain the pasta

Ingredients

  

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For the pasta:

• 12 oz pasta of choice 340 g, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne

For the pumpkin alfredo sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter 28 g
• 3 cloves garlic minced (9 g)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree 240 g
• 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml
• ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth 120 ml
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese 75 g
• ½ tsp salt 3 g
• ¼ tsp black pepper 1 g
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 0.5 g
• 1 tbsp olive oil 15 ml, optional for richness

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh sage chopped
• Extra Parmesan
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and broth. Mix until smooth and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.
• Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if you need to loosen the sauce.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with extra Parmesan or fresh sage.

Notes

• Make it lighter: Swap half the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half.
• More protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or Italian chicken sausage.
• Vegetarian tip: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Keyword pasta recipe, pumpkin

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