Meet your next cozy fall obsession: Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta. This delicious twist on a classic alfredo is everything you crave in comfort food — lush, silky-smooth sauce hugging tender noodles, a nourishing hit of pumpkin, and the savory depth of Parmesan. But don’t let its gourmet looks fool you! This pasta is shockingly simple and quick to prepare, making it just the thing for chilly evenings, dinner parties, or weeknight wins when you want big flavor without the fuss.

Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is how just a handful of humble ingredients can transform into something utterly luxurious. Each element brings its own magic: velvety pumpkin for earthy sweetness, rich cream for that signature silky texture, and Parmesan for a salty kick. Here’s a look at what you need — and why each is essential to the show.

Fettuccine or Pasta of Choice (12 ounces): The wide ribbons are perfect for clinging to creamy sauces, but any shape you love will work!
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich base flavor for the garlic and creates a glossy sauce.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): For a fragrant, savory foundation that makes every mouthful pop.
Canned Pumpkin Purée (1 cup): The star of the show, lending subtle sweetness, autumn color, and creamy texture.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Delivers that classic Alfredo silkiness you crave — you can swap for lighter dairy, but thicker cream brings the best results.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, plus more for serving): Adds tangy, salty depth and gives the sauce a gorgeous melt.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch for a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements the pumpkin.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers gentle heat and balance with richness.
Salt to taste: Essential to bring all the flavors together (taste as you go!).
Chopped Fresh Parsley, for garnish (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start your Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta journey by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your fettuccine (or favorite pasta shape) and cook until al dente, following the package time for perfect texture. Just before draining, scoop out half a cup of that starchy, golden pasta water — this little trick will help the sauce come together beautifully later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your pasta’s bubbling away, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until it fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma. The butter becomes infused with garlicky goodness, creating the best foundation for the creamy pumpkin sauce.

Step 3: Build the Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce

Now for the magic! Stir the pumpkin purée directly into the garlicky butter, letting it cook down for two minutes to deepen its flavor and color. Next, pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in Parmesan, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Keep stirring gently as the cheese melts and everything comes together into a dreamy, silky-orange sauce. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken up — you want a rich yet pourable consistency.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Finish the Dish

Add the drained pasta right into the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together so each noodle is generously coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until it’s luxuriously creamy and clings beautifully to your pasta. Taste, adjust seasoning, and get ready for the best bite.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Twirl generous servings into bowls and shower the top with extra Parmesan. A little fresh parsley gives your Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta that restaurant-fancy finish, or just dig in as is! Serve hot and enjoy every silky, savory, pumpkin-kissed forkful.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touches really elevate this dish! An extra shower of grated Parmesan gives wonderful salty richness, and chopped fresh parsley lends a burst of color and slight herbal freshness. If you want a hint of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pine nuts also works beautifully on Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal by pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlicky roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a splash of color and nutrition. Warm, crusty bread is nearly a must — perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For an autumn dinner party, nestle the Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta on a big platter and heap it at the center of the table, family-style. Or, portion into individual bowls and top each with a swirl of cream and tiny sage leaves for an elegant touch. You can also turn it into a feast by adding sautéed mushrooms, pan-seared chicken, or roasted pumpkin cubes for extra flair and heartiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta keeps well! Transfer any extra pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it chills, so save a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it when reheating.

Freezing

Creamy pasta sauces generally don’t freeze perfectly due to potential separation, but if you must, freeze the cooled pasta in individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating, and give it a good stir or a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to a saucepan with your chilled pasta and warm gently over low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave in short intervals, adding liquid and fluffing with a fork until the pasta is silky again. Don’t overheat, or the sauce might break.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, roast and purée it until smooth, then measure out one cup for the sauce. It adds an extra dimension of flavor and is a wonderful way to use up fall pumpkins.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be a bit thinner. You’ll still get a great pumpkin flavor, and it’s a nice option if you’re looking for something a little less rich.

Can I make Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy pumpkin sauce is naturally gluten-free, so this dish is easy to adapt for any dietary needs.

What proteins pair best with this pasta?

It’s fantastic with pan-roasted chicken, sautéed shrimp, or slices of Italian sausage. For a vegetarian boost, toss in a hearty handful of white beans or roasted chickpeas — they absorb the delicious sauce perfectly.

Can I prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance?

You can make the pumpkin Alfredo sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge up to two days, and gently reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta, thinning with a bit of reserved pasta water or cream if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a dish that’s fuss-free yet feels truly indulgent, and Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is exactly that. I hope you give this creamy, pumpkin-kissed comfort food a spot on your table — it’s impossible not to love, and always brings a little extra warmth to mealtime. Let me know how your version turns out!

Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of this Easy Creamy Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta. A luscious pumpkin and Parmesan cream sauce coats every strand of fettuccine, creating a comforting and delicious meal perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add pumpkin, cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.

Notes

For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or white beans.
You can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but note that the texture may be thinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American