Savory Pumpkin Pasta Sauce 🎃🍝🌿 Creamy, Herby, and Perfect for Cozy Autumn Nights

This rich and velvety sauce blends pumpkin’s natural sweetness with savory herbs, garlic, and Parmesan for a luxurious pasta coating.

It’s an easy seasonal upgrade that works with everything from spaghetti to stuffed ravioli.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, minced (optional)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley or sage, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

• Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and shallot; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add pumpkin and broth

• Stir in pumpkin purée and broth.
• Simmer 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 3: Make it creamy

• Lower heat and stir in cream, Parmesan, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer 2–3 more minutes, stirring until smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Toss with pasta

• Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet.
• Toss until well coated, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.

Step 5: Serve hot

• Garnish with parsley or sage and extra Parmesan.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth
• Stir in crispy pancetta or bacon for saltiness
• Use fresh sage instead of thyme for a classic fall pairing
• Add a splash of white wine before the broth for brightness
• Make it spicy with cayenne or red pepper flakes

Pro Tips

• Warm your pasta water with a pinch of salt — it enhances the overall flavor
• Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the sauce
• Don’t overcook after adding cream — keep it just below a simmer for the silkiest texture
• This sauce pairs especially well with ridged pasta like rigatoni or pappardelle

Final Thoughts

Savory Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is creamy, cozy, and full of seasonal charm. It turns any pasta into a fall-inspired comfort dish without overpowering the palate.

Simmer it. Swirl it. Savor every golden bite. 🎃🍝🌿