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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A delightful dish that combines the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin with a creamy sauce and al dente rigatoni pasta, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Ingredients
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small shallot or 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallots or onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree and cook for 2–3 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and is fully combined.
  5. Toss the cooked rigatoni into the sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store Creamy Pumpkin Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream. For variations, consider using fresh pumpkin, adjusting seasonings, or adding protein like chicken or chickpeas. For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.