Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

5 from 4 votes

This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce recipe is quintessential fall. It’s smooth, creamy and loaded with pumpkin flavor. Pour this creamy pumpkin pasta sauce over your favorite al dente pasta or protein and you’re in for a delicious dinner. What's great is that this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes too.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 370kcal

Author: Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh

Equipment

1 pasta pot
1 saucepan
1 colander

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta al dente
½ - ¾ cup reserved pasta water
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
2 sprigs thyme fresh
½ cup shallots finely diced
1 tablespoon garlic minced
1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie mix
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
pinch kosher salt to taste
few turns cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
¾ - 1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Boil the Pasta

Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta al dente. Reserve ¾ cup of pasta water for the sauce. Use as needed. Drain off the remaining water using a colander. Set aside.

Saute the Aromatics

In a large, nonstick saucepan, over medium heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the finely diced shallots and minced garlic. Next, add the sprigs of fresh thyme. Saute until the shallots are tender and translucent.

Make the Sauce and Assemble

Next, add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, a pinch of kosher salt and few turns of cracked black pepper. Add ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Stir to combine. Let the sauce reduce. Remove the sprigs of thyme.
Then, you'll add the heavy cream. Once it's well combined add the butter and grated parmesan cheese.
Once the cheese is melted and the sauce has reduced to your desired thickness, you can add the al dente pasta. Toss until well coated. Garnish with red pepper flakes and shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to reconstitute the sauce.

Nutrition