When the weather turns crisp and the leaves start falling, I always crave a big bowl of cozy pasta. That’s when my Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta comes to the rescue.
It’s velvety, cheesy, and infused with the warm, earthy flavors of sage and Parmesan. The pumpkin adds extra silkiness to the sauce while also sneaking in a bit of nutrition, and the whole dish feels like a hug in a bowl.
This is one of those fall recipes that’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes. The addition of ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
Recipe Highlights
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies—this savory pasta proves it belongs in the main dish spotlight. The pumpkin blends beautifully with cream and Parmesan to create a sauce that’s decadent but not heavy.
Fresh sage adds an aromatic touch, and garlic ties everything together.
This recipe is also quick to pull together—perfect when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Highlights:
- Velvety pumpkin sauce with Parmesan and sage
. - Ready in under 30 minutes
. - Comfort food that feels seasonal and cozy
. - Easy enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests
> - Perfect for fall recipe boards on Pinterest
How to Make My Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
- Cook the Pasta – Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
. - Start the Sauce Base – Melt butter in a skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant.
. - Add Pumpkin & Cream – Stir in pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth.
. - Incorporate Parmesan – Gradually add Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens.
. - Season & Finish – Add salt, black pepper, and fresh sage. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
. - Combine & Serve – Toss pasta with the sauce until coated. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh sage leaves.
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
The heart of this dish lies in its creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce.
This sauce is crafted using a blend of pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, resulting in a rich and velvety texture that envelops the fettuccine pasta beautifully.
Start by sautéing minced garlic cloves in butter, allowing their fragrant aroma to fill the kitchen. This step sets the stage for the warm, comforting flavors that follow.
Once the garlic is fragrant, stir in the pumpkin purée and heavy cream.
The combination creates a luscious sauce that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Season the mixture with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile, making every bite a delightful experience.
The Role of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients significantly elevates this dish.
Finely chopped sage adds an aromatic touch that perfectly complements the pumpkin.
Its earthy flavor balances the richness of the sauce, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Don’t forget to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
This not only adds a delightful salty kick but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish, making it even more inviting.
- Pumpkin Purée – The star of the sauce; provides natural sweetness and creaminess. Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
. - Heavy Cream – Creates a luxurious, silky base for the Alfredo sauce.
. - Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated is best.
. - Butter – Enhances richness and gives the sauce that classic Alfredo taste.
. - Garlic – Adds a savory backbone that balances the sweetness of pumpkin.
. - Fresh Sage – Warm, earthy, and aromatic; sage pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
. - Fettuccine Pasta – Wide noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
. - Nutmeg – A pinch enhances the pumpkin flavor and adds cozy warmth.
. - Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Cooking the Fettuccine Pasta
Cooking the fettuccine pasta to perfection is essential for a successful dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and provides a satisfying bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
This step allows you to focus on creating the sauce without worrying about overcooking the pasta.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
After preparing the sauce, it’s time to bring everything together.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the pumpkin Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand evenly.
This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
Take a moment to adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring that the dish is perfectly balanced before serving.
The combination of creamy sauce and tender pasta creates a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
When plating the pumpkin Alfredo fettuccine, consider garnishing with fresh sage leaves for an added touch of elegance.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Pair the pasta with a glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.
The warmth of the rustic wooden table setting adds to the inviting atmosphere, making this dish perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
This creamy pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
. - Garlic bread or a rustic sourdough loaf
. - Roasted Brussels sprouts or butternut squash
. - A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This creamy pumpkin Alfredo fettuccine pasta serves four, making it an ideal choice for family meals or intimate dinners with friends.
With approximately 540 calories per serving, it strikes a balance between indulgence and satisfaction.
Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture of this dish, knowing that it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.
In just 25 minutes, you can create a meal that feels both special and comforting, perfect for any night of the week.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta
For the richest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Fresh sage leaves should be lightly fried in butter for extra flavor before adding to the sauce.
Don’t forget to reserve pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency. Serve immediately for the creamiest texture, as the sauce thickens when it sits.
Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Fettuccine Pasta
Course: Main DishCuisine: Italian-Inspired, Fall Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes540
kcalThis fettuccine pasta dish is made by sautéing minced garlic in butter, then adding pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a smooth sauce. The recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
12 ounces of fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pumpkin purée
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in pumpkin purée, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking to create a creamy, thick sauce.
- Stir in chopped fresh sage, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well. Use reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and whole sage leaves. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
- A drizzle of truffle oil takes this pasta to a gourmet level.
Storage & Warming of Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
