Go Back
Delicious Pumpkin Chicken Alfredo served in a bowl with parsley garnish

Pumpkin Chicken Alfredo

A comforting blend of creamy chicken Alfredo and sweet pumpkin puree, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 612

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 1 lb fettuccine or your favorite long pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best flavor
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium for a healthier option
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Grated Pecorino Romano can be a nice alternative
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, chicken broth, and nutmeg. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
  3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  2. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
QR Code linking back to recipe